hieroglyphics

/ ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪks /

noun

1. a form of writing, esp as used in ancient Egypt, in which pictures or symbols are used to represent objects, concepts, or sounds
2. difficult or undecipherable writing

hieroglyphics

1. A system of writing with pictures that represent words or sounds. The ancient Egyptians wrote with hieroglyphics. ( See Rosetta stone .)

Notes

Present-day writing that is hard to decipher or understand is sometimes jokingly called “hieroglyphics.”

Example Sentences

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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times

The first show was a play called Hieroglyphics by Anne Donovan, author of Buddha Da.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• calligraphy
• longhand
• manuscript
• scrawl
• script
• writing