shortcut

[shawrt-kuht]

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.

adjective

1. constituting or providing a shorter or quicker way.

   shortcut methods.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shortcut¹

First recorded in 1560–70; short + cut

Example Sentences

Over the next month on The Bite, Salon’s food newsletter, I’ll share four recipes that celebrate autumn produce — apples, pumpkin, pears and figs — each designed for weeknights, with store-bought shortcuts where they make sense.

From Salon

A former NHS gynaecologist's risky practices and shortcuts contributed to women suffering severe physical harm, a long-awaited report into his care has found.

From BBC

Once a private practitioner in London's exclusive Harley Street, Ms Jackson was now selling shortcuts to beauticians nationwide, telling our researcher: "I'm so busy."

From BBC

Part of the appeal of casseroles in the first place was how they collapsed dinner into a symphony of shortcuts: canned soup, canned vegetables, canned meat, instant rice.

From Salon

We were not allowed shortcuts, lazy phrases, vague sources and insufficient attribution.

From Los Angeles Times