rebus

[ ree-buhs ]

noun

, plural re·bus·es.

1. a representation of a word or phrase by pictures, symbols, etc., that suggest that word or phrase or its syllables:

   Two gates and a head is a rebus for Gateshead.

2. a piece of writing containing many such representations.

rebus

/ ˈriːbəs /

noun

1. a puzzle consisting of pictures representing syllables and words; in such a puzzle the word hear might be represented by H followed by a picture of an ear
2. a heraldic emblem or device that is a pictorial representation of or pun on the name of the bearer

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebus¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin rēbus “by things” (ablative plural of rēs ), in phrase nōn verbīs sed rēbus “not by words but by things”

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebus¹

C17: from French rébus , from the Latin rēbus by things, from res

Example Sentences

General conceptions formed without this thorough knowledge, are Bacon's "notiones temer rebus abstract."

From Project Gutenberg

It is a building of red brick having on the top a lion, the rebus of the founder's name.

From Project Gutenberg

Removere debemus ego a rebus magnis (Bengel): there are things too great to allow the intrusion of self.

From Project Gutenberg

Annales & Historiæ de rebus Belgicis, ab obitu Philippi regis usque ad inducias anni 1609.

From Project Gutenberg

The Major chuckled, and admitted this might be so; his old governor used to say, "Est modus in rebus, sunt certi denique fines."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conundrum
• enigma
• problem
• question
• riddle
• secrecy
• subtlety
• thriller