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 Screaming in hieroglyphs, tearing space open, barfing lava and pissing neon. Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 23 Jan. 2024 Archaeologists have also found Egyptian hieroglyphs carved into the tomb of Pharaoh Seth-Peribsen that date to around the same historical period. Lucy Tu, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2023 These symbols, really hieroglyphs, appeared on posts and bridge abutments, on fences and outbuildings. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 24 Aug. 2023 Petroglyphs, unlike hieroglyphs, don’t always have a direct translation, but Davis said the markings at Broken Arrow Cave provide some insight into the Puebloans — abstract windows into their culture. Palak Jayswal, The Salt Lake Tribune, 14 Aug. 2023 Periodically, Banda opened the door of the jeep to decipher animal prints or dung, furrowing his brow like an archaeologist studying hieroglyphs. Tayari Jones, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2023 Its hieroglyphs also note that the cup was used for chocolate. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 26 May 2023 The decipherment of Maya hieroglyphs has been developing since the last century and is an ongoing project. Benjamin Lima, Dallas News, 2 June 2023 The Madrid Codex, which is full of elaborate artwork as well as Maya hieroglyphs, was actually split into two parts at some point. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 26 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hieroglyph.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Mar. 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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