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
Stephanie Ericssonheadline shorthand
shorthand
adjective
Examples of shorthand in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Greenland’s rapidly melting ice sheet and retreating glaciers have become shorthand for climate change and environmental devastation, and some in the industry have voiced concern about the potential negative effects of overtourism on the local population.
—Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 27 Feb. 2025
Consider how acronyms like ROAS and CTR are used as shorthand for success metrics in digital advertising.
—Frank Rojas, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
While that is a convenient shorthand, this season can more accurately be described using three time periods.
—Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
Those ancestors are to be venerated and eternally respected, not used as shorthand for the disparagement of their descendants’ art, which often explicitly exalts their history.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shorthand
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Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 27 Feb. 2025
Consider how acronyms like ROAS and CTR are used as shorthand for success metrics in digital advertising.
—Frank Rojas, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
While that is a convenient shorthand, this season can more accurately be described using three time periods.
—Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
Those ancestors are to be venerated and eternally respected, not used as shorthand for the disparagement of their descendants’ art, which often explicitly exalts their history.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shorthand
Cite this Entry
“Shorthand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shorthand. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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