shorthand

[ shawrt-hand ]
/ ˈʃɔrtˌhænd /

noun

a method of rapid handwriting using simple strokes, abbreviations, or symbols that designate letters, words, or phrases (distinguished from longhand).
a simplified or makeshift manner or system of communication: We spoke in a kind of pidgin shorthand to overcome the language barrier.

adjective

using or able to use shorthand.
written in shorthand.
of or relating to shorthand.

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Origin of shorthand

First recorded in 1630–40; short + hand

Words nearby shorthand

shortfall, shortfin corvina, shortgrass, shorthair, shorthaired, shorthand, shorthand typist, shorthead, shorthold tenancy, shorthorn, shortie
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for short-hand

British Dictionary definitions for short-hand

shorthand
/ (ˈʃɔːtˌhænd) /

noun

  1. a system of rapid handwriting employing simple strokes and other symbols to represent words or phrases
  2. (as modifier)a shorthand typist
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