What does stenography mean?
Stenography is the systematic use of shorthand to record speech quickly and accurately. Unlike ordinary note-taking, it relies on established symbols, abbreviations, and shortened forms to represent words and sounds. The term has a technical and largely historical character, although stenographic systems are still taught in some educational settings and may occur in professional transcription or courtroom work. Stenography was especially valuable before portable audio recorders became widespread, allowing reporters, secretaries, and public officials to preserve speeches, meetings, testimony, and lectures. Although often used loosely as a synonym for shorthand, stenography more precisely suggests a defined writing system governed by consistent principles. Related terms include the practitioner, a stenographer, and the adjective stenographic. For readers today, the word chiefly evokes the history of professional transcription and the development of specialized systems designed to keep pace with the spoken voice.
nounStenography is the practice and technique of writing spoken words rapidly in shorthand, using a defined system of symbols, abbreviations, or abbreviated words.
- The system or practice of writing spoken words rapidly in shorthand through the use of symbols and abbreviated forms.
"The secretary used stenography to record the lecture word for word."
"A professional stenographer transcribed the testimony throughout the court proceedings."
"The course introduces students to historical stenography systems used in offices and courts."
The plural is uncommon because stenography is usually treated as a mass noun; it can refer to separate acts, systems, or examples of shorthand writing.
"The collection includes rare examples of nineteenth-century stenographies."
Before voice recorders, stenography was one of the fastest ways to preserve a spoken meeting in writing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stenography come from?
The word was formed in New Latin from Greek stenos, meaning “narrow,” and graphein, meaning “to write.” It entered English in the early 17th century as a name for the newly developed art of shorthand writing. Its relatives include stenographer, stenographic, and stenographically, all formed from the same Greek elements.
Related word forms
How stenography is actually used
The term is formal and technical, and it is more common in education, historical writing, and discussions of office and court work than in everyday conversation.
Easily confused with stenography
Stenography is a method of writing in shorthand, whereas a stenographer is a person trained to use that method.