hieroglyphics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical, Informal (when used metaphorically).
Quick answer
What does “hieroglyphics” mean?
A system of writing that uses pictorial symbols, especially the script of ancient Egypt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system of writing that uses pictorial symbols, especially the script of ancient Egypt.
Any writing or symbols that are difficult to decipher, or handwriting that is very messy and hard to read.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms may differ slightly (e.g., 'hieroglyphic' vs. 'hieroglyphical' is archaic in both).
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency in academic/educational contexts. Slightly more common in American media referring to ancient history due to museum prominence (e.g., Smithsonian).
Grammar
How to Use “hieroglyphics” in a Sentence
[Subject] deciphered/translated the hieroglyphics.The hieroglyphics [verb: depict/tell/describe] a story.The walls [verb: are covered with/ bear] hieroglyphics.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hieroglyphics” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hieroglyphic inscription was remarkably well preserved.
- She specialised in hieroglyphic texts.
American English
- The museum has a hieroglyphic papyrus on display.
- His notes were almost hieroglyphic in their complexity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Metaphorically: 'The new tax legislation is written in hieroglyphics.'
Academic
Common in history, archaeology, linguistics: 'The Rosetta Stone was key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphics.'
Everyday
Metaphorical use: 'His doctor's prescription looks like hieroglyphics.'
Technical
Specific in Egyptology: 'Hieroglyphics can be written left to right or right to left.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hieroglyphics”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hieroglyphics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hieroglyphics”
- Using it as a singular noun: 'a hieroglyphics' (incorrect). Correct: 'a hieroglyph' or 'hieroglyphics'.
- Misspelling: 'heirogliphics', 'hierogliphics'.
- Confusing it with 'hieratic' or 'demotic' scripts (other Egyptian writing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun. You refer to 'the hieroglyphics are' not 'is'. The singular for one symbol is 'a hieroglyph'.
Technically, it refers specifically to Egyptian script. However, it is often used informally and metaphorically for any writing that is hard to decipher, like messy handwriting.
These are all ancient Egyptian scripts. Hieroglyphics are the formal, pictorial script used on monuments. Hieratic is a cursive script used for everyday writing on papyrus. Demotic is a later, simplified script derived from hieratic.
In British English: /ˌhaɪ.rəˈɡlɪf.ɪks/ (hi-ro-GLIFF-iks). In American English: /ˌhaɪ.roʊˈɡlɪf.ɪks/ (hi-roh-GLIFF-iks). The main difference is the vowel in the second syllable.
A system of writing that uses pictorial symbols, especially the script of ancient Egypt.
Hieroglyphics is usually formal, academic, technical, informal (when used metaphorically). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's all Greek to me (used for unintelligible writing, but hieroglyphics is the literal referent).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HIERO' (like 'hierarchy' - high/ sacred) + 'GLYPH' (carving). Sacred carvings.
Conceptual Metaphor
ILLEGIBLE WRITING IS AN UNCRACKABLE CODE; ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE IS A SEALED SCRIPT.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'hieroglyphics' most technically specific?