Meaning & use
hieroglyphics
Last updated
Meanings
nounpluraltechnical
A writing system that uses pictures or symbols to represent words, sounds, or ideas.
Grammar: Plural noun; takes a plural verb: 'Hieroglyphics are difficult to learn.'
Patterns
- hieroglyphics on a wall
- read hieroglyphics
- write in hieroglyphics
The ancient Egyptians wrote in hieroglyphics.
Scholars have deciphered many examples of hieroglyphics.
The hieroglyphics on the tomb wall tell a story.
noununcountablefigurative
Writing that is difficult to read or understand.
Grammar: Uncountable; used figuratively.
Patterns
- be in hieroglyphics
- look like hieroglyphics
His handwriting is pure hieroglyphics; I can't read a word.
The instructions were in hieroglyphics to me.
Common combinations
- Egyptian hieroglyphics
- Egyptian hieroglyphics were used for over 3,000 years.
- Mayan hieroglyphics
- Mayan hieroglyphics are found on stone monuments.
- decipher hieroglyphics
- It took years to decipher the hieroglyphics.
- hieroglyphics script
- The hieroglyphics script is a form of picture writing.
Synonyms and how they differ
- hieroglyphs
- Refers to the individual symbols or the system; often used interchangeably but can be more specific.
- picture writing
- A general term; less technical than hieroglyphics.
Word family
- hieroglyph noun
- A single symbol in hieroglyphic writing.
- hieroglyphic adjective
- Relating to hieroglyphics.
Commonly confused: hieroglyphics or hieroglyph?
hieroglyphics vs hieroglyph
A hieroglyph is one symbol; hieroglyphics is the whole system.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'hieroglyphics' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Hieroglyphics' refers to a writing system, so 'studied hieroglyphics' is correct. The other options misuse the word as a singular object or unrelated noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “hieroglyphics”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.