hieroglyphics

/ ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪks /

noun

1. a form of writing, esp as used in ancient Egypt, in which pictures or symbols are used to represent objects, concepts, or sounds
2. difficult or undecipherable writing

hieroglyphics

1. A system of writing with pictures that represent words or sounds. The ancient Egyptians wrote with hieroglyphics. ( See Rosetta stone .)

Notes

Present-day writing that is hard to decipher or understand is sometimes jokingly called “hieroglyphics.”

Example Sentences

The threatening walls of this tumbledown abode seemed to have been decorated with hieroglyphics.

From Project Gutenberg

Hieroglyphics of thought were there, too mysterious for the common eye to interpret.

From Project Gutenberg

We do not propose that he shall decipher the hieroglyphics of algebra and geometry.

From Project Gutenberg

The Japanese cannot pocket it any more than he can thrill to short Saxon words or we can thrill to Chinese hieroglyphics.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of them, Mr. Davies thinks, were impressed with rude hieroglyphics, symbolical of Ceridiven.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• calligraphy
• longhand
• manuscript
• scrawl
• script
• writing