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

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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A ritual of teenage hieroglyphics unfolded, etched in the flickering glow of the screen.

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How we put down our thoughts evolves, because that’s what a smart society does — after all, Egyptians don’t use hieroglyphics anymore, nor do Scandinavians use runes.

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Related Words

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