picture writing

American  

noun

1. the art of recording events or expressing ideas by pictures, or pictorial symbols, as practiced by preliterate peoples.

2. pictorial symbols forming a record or communication.

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picture writing British  

noun

1. any writing system that uses pictographs

2. a system of artistic expression and communication using pictures or symbolic figures

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Etymology

Origin of picture writing

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

“I think people sometimes picture writing as a pretty glamorous job people,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2023

In it she writes, “Motion picture writing is as practical as plumbing, only the plums are bigger.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2023

He sent Teal a picture, writing in a message: “Please tell me this is the ring so I can finally get off this beach.”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 20, 2022

But Artist Twok does not use the primitive picture writing of his people.

From Time Magazine Archive

“No, that Martian picture writing, it wasn’t anything. Let it go!”

From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury