hieroglyph

noun

hi·​ero·​glyph ˈhī-(ə-)rə-ˌglif How to pronounce hieroglyph (audio)
1
: a character used in a system of hieroglyphic writing
2
: something that resembles a hieroglyph

Examples of hieroglyph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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One comic artist tells a story through shadows behind the curtains of a window; another, with hieroglyphs the reader must decipher with the help of a legend. Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 9 Oct. 2024 One of the most intriguing discoveries was a bronze sword engraved with the cartouche of Ramses, or hieroglyphs arranged in an oval representing his name. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024 In 1814, Young determined that the hieroglyphs that were enclosed in ovals, called cartouches, were royal names, according to History.com. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 18 Sep. 2024 In addition to the information which can be learned by translating the hieroglyphs, there is much to be learned from the way that people are depicted. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hieroglyph 

Word History

Etymology

French hiéroglyphe, from Middle French, back-formation from hieroglyphique

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hieroglyph was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near hieroglyph

Cite this Entry

“Hieroglyph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hieroglyph. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hieroglyph

noun
hi·​ero·​glyph ˈhī-(ə-)rə-ˌglif How to pronounce hieroglyph (audio)
: a character used in hieroglyphic writing

More from Merriam-Webster on hieroglyph

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