hieroglyphic

[ hahy-er-uh-glif-ik, hahy-ruh- ]

adjective

1. Also hieroglyphical. designating or pertaining to a pictographic script, particularly that of the ancient Egyptians, in which many of the symbols are conventionalized, recognizable pictures of the things represented.
2. inscribed with hieroglyphic symbols.
3. hard to decipher; hard to read.

noun

1. Also hieroglyph. a hieroglyphic symbol.
2. Usually hieroglyphics. hieroglyphic writing.
3. a figure or symbol with a hidden meaning.
4. hieroglyphics, handwriting, figures, characters, code, etc., difficult to decipher:

   the confusing hieroglyphics of advanced mathematics.

hieroglyphic

/ ˌhaɪəˈrɒɡ-; ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪst; ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to a form of writing using picture symbols, esp as used in ancient Egypt
2. written with hieroglyphic symbols
3. difficult to read or decipher

noun

1. a picture or symbol representing an object, concept, or sound
2. a symbol or picture that is difficult to read or decipher

Derived Forms

• ˌhieroˈglyphically, adverb
• hieroglyphist, noun

Other Words From

• hi·er·o·glyph·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hieroglyphic¹

1575–85; < Late Latin hieroglyphicus < Greek hieroglyphikós “pertaining to sacred writing.” See hiero-, glyph ( def ), -ic ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of hieroglyphic¹

C16: from Late Latin hieroglyphicus, from Greek hierogluphikos, from hiero- + gluphē carving, from gluphein to carve

Example Sentences

Think of each as equivalent to a hieroglyphic image.

From Science Magazine

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.

From New York Times

Mayer frames the story as being discovered by an archaeologist reading hieroglyphics in a tomb.

From Seattle Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times