pictogram: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “pictogram” mean?
A pictorial symbol or sign representing an object, concept, or action, used as an early form of writing or in modern signage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pictorial symbol or sign representing an object, concept, or action, used as an early form of writing or in modern signage.
A stylized graphic used in data visualization (e.g., charts, infographics) to represent quantities or categories through repeated icons.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. 'Pictogram' is slightly more prevalent in British academic writing, while 'pictograph' sees slightly more use in American archaeology/anthropology contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both variants.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in general discourse, common in specific fields like design, archaeology, and safety signage.
Grammar
How to Use “pictogram” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] features a pictogram of [NOUN][NOUN] can be traced back to a pictogram for [NOUN]The sign uses a pictogram to indicate [NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pictogram” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- pictogrammatic
- pictographic
American English
- pictogrammatic
- pictographic
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports and presentations regarding data visualization (e.g., 'The market share was shown using a pictogram of cars').
Academic
Common in archaeology, linguistics, and design history (e.g., 'The cave wall was covered in ancient pictograms').
Everyday
Most often encountered referring to public signage, especially safety or toilet signs (e.g., 'Look for the pictogram of a person running to find the exit').
Technical
Precise use in cartography, UI/UX design, and statistical graphics (e.g., 'The isotype method relies on repeated pictograms').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pictogram”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pictogram”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pictogram”
- Confusing 'pictogram' with 'ideogram' (which represents an idea) or 'logogram' (which represents a word). Using it to describe any simple drawing instead of a conventionalized symbol.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A pictogram is a direct, pictorial representation of a physical object (e.g., a sun for 'sun'). An ideogram represents an abstract idea or concept that may not be easily drawn (e.g., a circle for 'unity' or 'sun' as a deity). All pictograms can be ideograms, but not all ideograms are pictograms.
Many emojis function as modern digital pictograms (e.g., 🚗, ✈️). However, emojis also include ideograms (e.g., ❤️ for 'love') and logograms (e.g., 1️⃣ for 'one'), making the category broader.
In general usage, especially regarding modern signage and graphics, yes. In specialized academic fields like archaeology, 'pictograph' may be preferred for ancient rock paintings, while 'pictogram' is used for more abstract, systematic symbols.
Pictograms provide immediate, language-independent communication. They are crucial for public signage, interface icons, and data visualization where clarity, speed, and universal understanding are essential.
A pictorial symbol or sign representing an object, concept, or action, used as an early form of writing or in modern signage.
Pictogram is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Pictogram: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɪk.tə.ɡræm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪk.tə.ɡræm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A picture is worth a thousand words (related conceptual idea)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PICT-O-GRAM: Think of a PICTure that acts as a teleGRAM, sending a message without words.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISUAL LANGUAGE, PICTURES AS WORDS
Practice
Quiz
In which modern context is the term 'pictogram' most precisely used?