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
Soon The Handmaid’s Tale—and especially its instantly iconic costuming—became cultural shorthand for protesting against real-world patriarchy.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 28 May 2025
The approval of the amendment's ballot title and popular name, which are used as shorthand to describe the measure on the ballot, is a required step before the League of Women Voters can begin collecting signatures.
—Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 22 May 2025
In a 2023 New York Times op-ed, Cottom explains how words like ‘citizen,’ ‘taxpayer,’ or even ‘American’ are often used to describe dominant racial groups—and how ‘blonde’ functions similarly, as shorthand for who gets seen as the standard of beauty and belonging.
—Martine Thompson, Essence, 21 May 2025
But the real affront is his invocation of his predecessor’s name as a shorthand for the worst possible outcome for his own bad habits.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for shorthand
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Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 28 May 2025
The approval of the amendment's ballot title and popular name, which are used as shorthand to describe the measure on the ballot, is a required step before the League of Women Voters can begin collecting signatures.
—Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 22 May 2025
In a 2023 New York Times op-ed, Cottom explains how words like ‘citizen,’ ‘taxpayer,’ or even ‘American’ are often used to describe dominant racial groups—and how ‘blonde’ functions similarly, as shorthand for who gets seen as the standard of beauty and belonging.
—Martine Thompson, Essence, 21 May 2025
But the real affront is his invocation of his predecessor’s name as a shorthand for the worst possible outcome for his own bad habits.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 20 May 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 3 Jun. 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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