shorthand

noun

short·​hand ˈshȯrt-ˌhand 

1

: a method of writing rapidly by substituting characters, abbreviations, or symbols for letters, sounds, words, or phrases : stenography

2

: something likened to shorthand especially in providing rapid or abbreviated communication or representation

Stereotype and cliché serve a purpose as a form of shorthand.

—Stephanie Ericsson

headline shorthand

shorthand adjective

Examples of shorthand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Faster thinking is cheaper, and the pressure to think quickly forces AIs towards using shorthand that is harder for humans to follow. — Geoffrey Irving, Time, 3 Oct. 2026

The ninja emoji often is used in online shorthand as the N-word. — Terry Castleman follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Long before Starbucks became shorthand for coffee culture, Americans were opening cans of coffee from brands like Gold Shield, Savarin and Schilling. — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Cross-Suite Communication CIOs are used to technical shorthand internally. — Mike Trkay, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1636, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing shorthand

• in shorthand
• shorthand reporter
• shorthand typist
• take shorthand

Rhymes for shorthand

• armband
• backhand
• bandstand
• baseband
• broadband
• command
• cropland
• demand
• disband
• dreamland
• expand
• farmhand

Kids Definition

shorthand

noun

short·​hand ˈshȯrt-ˌhand 

1

: a method of rapid writing by using symbols for sounds, words, or phrases

2

: a short or quick way of showing or saying something

shorthand adjective