What does steno mean?
A steno is a person who records speech using shorthand, particularly in an office, courtroom, or legal proceeding. The word is an informal shortening of stenographer and is especially common in American English, where it can describe either the worker or the shorthand-writing activity itself. In phrases such as steno pool, it refers to a group of workers who provide transcription services, while work as a steno describes an occupation centered on taking down dictated or spoken material. Although shorthand requires specialized training and the use of symbols or specialized keyboards, the term remains associated with a traditional office role that has been shaped by changes in legal reporting, dictation, and transcription technology.
A person who writes down speech or dictation using shorthand, especially in an office or court setting.
"The attorney asked the steno to prepare a transcript of the hearing."
Informal in modern English, especially in American occupational usage.
Shorthand or stenographic writing, especially as used in office or legal work.
"The company trained several employees in steno before replacing the role with digital transcription software."
This use is less common than the occupational sense and often appears in phrases such as steno pool or work in steno.
Plural forms are used when referring to multiple shorthand workers; the singular form is much more common.
"The two stenos split the conference notes between them."
The word steno packs an entire profession into four letters: the person who can keep up with the spoken word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does steno come from?
The modern word is an informal shortening of stenographer and is also associated with stenography. These terms ultimately derive from Greek stēnos, meaning “narrow,” referring to the narrow or compact system of shorthand writing. The English vocabulary developed through the nineteenth century as shorthand systems became established in business, law, and public reporting.
Related word forms
How steno is actually used
In everyday American usage, steno is informal and commonly refers to an office worker who takes shorthand or transcribes dictated material. It can also refer more broadly to shorthand transcription itself, as in steno pool. The fuller term stenographer is more formal and less common in modern workplaces, where the role may be called a court reporter, transcriptionist, or administrative assistant.
Easily confused with steno
A steno is the informal name for a shorthand professional, while a stenographer is the fuller, more formal term for that worker.
A steno is a person who writes shorthand, whereas a stenotype is a machine or system used to produce stenographic text.