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.)

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

Example Sentences

These include the Rosetta Stone, the key to deciphering hieroglyphics, which is on display at the British Museum in London.

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The Rosetta Stone, found in 1799, provided the key to deciphering hieroglyphics; it was discovered by the French army and was seized by the British as war booty.

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A golden vent rests at its top, the figures on its grille appearing like alien hieroglyphics.

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In his short but intense career, Haring’s pulsating figures became an inextricable part of New York City life, like ancient hieroglyphics that weren’t as much drawn as unearthed.

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Mayer frames the story as being discovered by an archaeologist reading hieroglyphics in a tomb.

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Related Words

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