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

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

He squinted at the light that had appeared up ahead, a towering wall of hieroglyphics on which the familiar opening credits wavered unsteadily.

From Literature

“I thought those hieroglyphics were some kind of secret wise sayings,” I said as I gazed at the faded symbols on the obelisk.

From Literature

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

From BBC

Related Words

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