hieroglyphics

British  

/ 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

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hieroglyphics Cultural  

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

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

Example Sentences

Until now it was thought that writing developed in Mesopotamia around 3,000 BCE, followed by hieroglyphics in Egypt and later in China and Mesoamerica.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Much like the Rosetta Stone helped scientists interpret ancient hieroglyphics, V1298 Tau provides a key reference for understanding how the galaxy's most common planets take shape.

From Science Daily • Jan. 31, 2026

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.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

At that point, Melanie suggested that perhaps the questions to the oracle ought to be written in hieroglyphics, but for some reason Toby was against it.

From "The Egypt Game" by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Related Words

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