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shortcut

[ shawrt-kuht ]
/ ˈʃɔrtˌkʌt /
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noun
a shorter or quicker way.
a method, procedure, policy, etc., that reduces the time or energy needed to accomplish something.
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
constituting or providing a shorter or quicker way: shortcut methods.
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Origin of shortcut

First recorded in 1560–70; short + cut

Other definitions for shortcut (2 of 2)

short-cut
[ shawrt-kuht ]
/ ˈʃɔrtˌkʌt /

verb (used with object), short-cut, short-cut·ting.
to cause to be shortened by the use of a shortcut.
verb (used without object), short-cut, short-cut·ting.
to use or take a shortcut.

Origin of short-cut

First recorded in 1560–70

OTHER WORDS FROM short-cut

short-cutter, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use shortcut in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for shortcut

short cut

noun
a route that is shorter than the usual one
a means of saving time or effort
verb short-cut -cuts, -cutting or -cut
(intr) to use a short cut

Word Origin for short cut

C16: from cut (in the sense: a direct route)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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