shortcut

[shawrt-kuht]

noun

1. a shorter or quicker way.

2. a method, procedure, policy, etc., that reduces the time or energy needed to accomplish something.

3. Computers.

   1. a link to a software application, file, or website, usually represented as a graphical icon that can be clicked on to quickly access or open it.

      You can create a desktop shortcut to a web page you've visited.

   2. Also called keyboard shortcut. hotkey.

adjective

1. constituting or providing a shorter or quicker way.

   shortcut methods.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shortcut¹

First recorded in 1560–70; short + cut

Example Sentences

Once a private practitioner in London's exclusive Harley Street, Ms Jackson was now selling shortcuts to beauticians nationwide, telling our researcher: "I'm so busy."

From BBC

Part of the appeal of casseroles in the first place was how they collapsed dinner into a symphony of shortcuts: canned soup, canned vegetables, canned meat, instant rice.

From Salon

We were not allowed shortcuts, lazy phrases, vague sources and insufficient attribution.

From Los Angeles Times

Trauma-dumping on the first date isn’t a shortcut to emotional intimacy.

From Los Angeles Times

For weeknight practicality, a cheese sauce is your shortcut — the kind that clings to each fry like it was made just for it.

From Salon