shorthand

noun

Definition of shorthandnext
as in stenography

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of shorthand The same visual shorthand—a sourdough loaf, an apron or a backyard flock—can attract viewers looking for very different things. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 As a shorthand expression of Christian faith, the verse has also appeared in commercial branding and entertainment. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026 For Russian propagandists, the Azov Brigade, which began as a nationalist militia, was shorthand for the supposedly fascist influences from which Vladimir Putin claimed to be liberating Ukraine. — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 In a matter of months, their films have become shorthand for creator-industry-crossover success stories. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shorthand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shorthand
  1. stenography
  2. steno
Noun
  • Beginning in the late 19th century, the office also produced a new gender division of labor, as more of the repetitive work—typing, filing, stenography—fell to a secretarial class of women with limited prospects for advancement.
    — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
  • Anyone could learn to use the machine in two weeks or less, compared to months or years to master stenography.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 6 Jan. 2026
Definition of stenography
Noun
  • Traditionally, court reporters have used 22-key steno machines to rapidly take down every word said by lawyers, judges and anyone else who speaks on the record during an official proceeding.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Angie worked in the Justice Building under Attorney General Robert Kennedy and did steno and typing.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025
Definition of steno

Browse Nearby Words

shortfalls
shorthand
shorthands
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shorthand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shorthand. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on shorthand

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shorthand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All