pictograph

[ pik-tuh-graf, -grahf ]

noun

1. a pictorial sign or symbol.
2. a record consisting of pictorial symbols, as a prehistoric cave drawing or a graph or chart with symbolic figures representing a certain number of people, cars, factories, etc.

pictograph

/ ˈpɪktəˌɡrɑːf; ˌpɪktəˈɡræfɪk; pɪkˈtɒɡrəfɪ; -ˌɡræf /

noun

1. a picture or symbol standing for a word or group of words, as in written Chinese
2. a chart on which symbols are used to represent values, such as population levels or consumption

Derived Forms

• pictography, noun
• pictographic, adjective

Other Words From

• pic·to·graph·ic [pik-t, uh, -, graf, -ik], adjective
• picto·graphi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pictograph¹

1850–55; < Latin pict ( us ) painted ( picture ) + -o- + -graph

Word History and Origins

Origin of pictograph¹

C19: from Latin pictus, from pingere to paint

Example Sentences

More specifically, because I read some signs, I can tell you that the petroglyphs are more than 2,000 years old, and also that a petroglyph is cut into stone; a pictograph is painted on stone.

From Los Angeles Times

More specifically, because I read some signs, I can tell you that the petroglyphs are more than 2,000 years old, and also that a petroglyph is cut into stone; a pictograph is painted on stone.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve lost my appetite for cricket, so I tap on the pictograph of a lab-generated wrap produced from plant cells and lamb genes, then scan my hand.

From Slate

Pictograph Caves outside Billings has been repaired to preserve the rock at the historic site containing ancient Native American rock art.

From Washington Times

The letter has no connection to the Chinese name “Xi,” which is a Latin-alphabet representation of a pictograph that is pronounced like the English feminine pronoun “she.”

From Washington Times