shorthand

noun

short·​hand ˈshȯrt-ˌhand How to pronounce shorthand (audio)
Synonyms of shorthandnext
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
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.
Crime went up early in his term, and although a Times analysis cast serious doubt on links between the spike and the district attorney’s policies, Gascón’s name became shorthand for labeling a politician as soft on crime. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 The term has since become a shorthand for antisemitic depictions of greed and has been condemned for elevating offensive stereotypes about Jewish people. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 Using one term as shorthand for another can blur information patients may be looking for when reading about a medication or discussing a prescription with a provider. — Emma Clapp, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026 West Wycombe Park, Buckinghamshire The decadent, Italianate architecture of West Wycombe Park provided the right visual shorthand for the immense wealth and rigid social standing of the Ferrars family. — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shorthand

Word History

First Known Use

1636, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shorthand was in 1636

Phrases Containing shorthand

Rhymes for shorthand

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Browse Nearby Words

short-haired
shorthand
shorthanded
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Cite this Entry

“Shorthand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shorthand. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shorthand

noun
short·​hand ˈshȯrt-ˌhand How to pronounce shorthand (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on shorthand

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shorthand

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shorthand

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