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
Zoom has become shorthand for any video call, a sign of how deeply it’s embedded in our habits and language.
—Bowen Liu, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
But the template had been set, Paris was marked as a shorthand for the pinnacle of female achievement—only the most stylish, successful, and generally it would be summoned there—and established as the option only a truly singular love could outshine.
—Megan Angelo, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
The character became shorthand for difficult-to-please bosses no matter the industry, and Streep earned one of her many Oscar nominations for her performance.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Open relationships, medical inequality, and electoral socialism aren’t engaged as jokes or mere biographical shorthand here.
—Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
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Bowen Liu, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
But the template had been set, Paris was marked as a shorthand for the pinnacle of female achievement—only the most stylish, successful, and generally it would be summoned there—and established as the option only a truly singular love could outshine.
—Megan Angelo, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
The character became shorthand for difficult-to-please bosses no matter the industry, and Streep earned one of her many Oscar nominations for her performance.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Open relationships, medical inequality, and electoral socialism aren’t engaged as jokes or mere biographical shorthand here.
—Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 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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