pictograph

noun

pic·​to·​graph ˈpik-tə-ˌgraf How to pronounce pictograph (audio)
Synonyms of pictographnext
1
: an ancient or prehistoric drawing or painting on a rock wall
2
: one of the symbols belonging to a pictorial graphic system
3
: a diagram representing statistical data by pictorial forms
pictographic
ˌpik-tə-ˈgra-fik How to pronounce pictograph (audio)
adjective

Examples of pictograph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Each group has left its mark, from ancient cave dwellings to petroglyphs and pictographs etched into the canyon walls. — Debbie Olsen, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026 Arabic is the outcome of centuries of trade, innovation and communication, never letting go of the beauty of symbols, pictographs and glyphs. — Doris Bittar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 Not For Radio and Suki Waterhouse were among those teased early via pictographs on Lollapalooza social media accounts. — Doug George, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 Reports of pictographs — American Indian picture writing — had attracted us to Missinaibi’s shores. — Jim Hoagland, Outdoor Life, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pictograph

Word History

Etymology

Latin pictus + English -o- + -graph

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pictograph was in 1851

Rhymes for pictograph

See All Rhymes for pictograph

Browse Nearby Words

pictogram
pictograph
pictographic
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Cite this Entry

“Pictograph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pictograph. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pictograph

noun
pic·​to·​graph ˈpik-tə-ˌgraf How to pronounce pictograph (audio)
1
: an ancient or prehistoric drawing or painting on a rock wall
2
: one of the symbols of a system of picture writing
3
: a diagram representing statistical information by pictures which can be varied in color, size, or number to indicate change
pictographic
ˌpik-tə-ˈgraf-ik How to pronounce pictograph (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pictograph

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pictograph

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