What does longhand mean?
Longhand means writing that is carefully formed and written out in full, particularly ordinary handwriting rather than shorthand, typing, or print. The term can also describe a detailed, unabbreviated account, as in “the story was told in longhand.” Historically, longhand was the normal way to produce written documents and personal correspondence, and the word consequently carries a traditional, slightly formal association. It is especially useful when discussing the physical form or method of writing: an old deed might be written in longhand, while a modern report may be typed. In figurative contexts, the contrast is usually with shorthand or abbreviation, making longhand a concise way to emphasize that words have been recorded fully and in detail.
Writing in which words and letters are written out in full, especially ordinary handwriting as opposed to shorthand or typing.
"The original manuscript was written in longhand."
Also used figuratively for a detailed or unabbreviated account.
Written in full by hand rather than in shorthand, print, or machine-generated text.
"The museum displays several longhand letters from the poet."
Common in references to documents, manuscripts, and historical records.
Used when referring to multiple handwritten documents, texts, or accounts.
"The archive contains longhands by several different writers."
Before laptops and keyboards, longhand was the everyday way to put thoughts on paper—and it could take considerably longer.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does longhand come from?
Longhand is a compound formed from long and hand. The word developed in the nineteenth century as a way of distinguishing ordinary handwriting from shorthand systems, whose abbreviated forms were known as shorthand. Its meaning later broadened figuratively to refer to detailed or extended writing. The element hand is shared with words such as handwriting and handwritten, while long comes from Old English long.
Related word forms
How longhand is actually used
The word is somewhat formal and traditional in contemporary use, though it remains common in discussions of handwriting and historical documents. Figurative uses, such as “in longhand,” emphasize detail, length, or the absence of abbreviation.
Easily confused with longhand
Longhand is writing in which each word and letter is written in full, whereas shorthand uses symbols or abbreviated forms to represent words and phrases.