shortcut

American  

[shawrt-kuht] / ˈʃɔrtˌkʌt /

noun

1. a shorter or quicker way.

2. a method, procedure, policy, etc., that reduces the time or energy needed to accomplish something.

3. 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.

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adjective

1. constituting or providing a shorter or quicker way.

   shortcut methods.

Etymology

Origin of shortcut

First recorded in 1560–70; short + cut

Example Sentences

From the parents’ perspective, they worked 40-plus years, sacrificed, saved 15% of every paycheck, and now their kids want a shortcut.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

This isn’t the first time that someone has tried to use AI as a shortcut, with parlous consequences.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

He agrees that influencers promising a shortcut to success and a way to "get out of the Matrix" can seem appealing to people who think they've "got no other choice".

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Now with the recent developments in artificial intelligence, he can see a shortcut to achieving his ambition.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

He wasn’t worried, though, because he’d already mapped a shortcut through the gym.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen