Definition of «hieroglyph»

A hieroglyph is a type of ancient Egyptian writing that uses pictures and symbols to represent words or sounds. These writings were used by the ancient Egyptians for thousands of years, from around 3100 BCE until about 400 CE. Hieroglyphs are known for their intricate designs and detailed illustrations, which often depicted objects, animals, or people that represented specific ideas or sounds in the language. The word "hieroglyph" comes from the Greek words "hiero," meaning sacred, and "glypho," meaning to write. Together, they suggest a writing system that is considered sacred or important.

Usage examples

The Egyptian museum displayed a collection of ancient hieroglyphs carved onto large stone tablets.
The archaeologists meticulously studied the hieroglyphs found on the walls of the tomb to decipher the story of the ancient pharaoh.
The tour guide explained that hieroglyphs were a form of writing used by the ancient Egyptians, consisting of intricate symbols and pictograms.
The student diligently copied the hieroglyphs from the textbook onto their notebook, trying to memorize their meanings.
The linguist specialized in translating hieroglyphs, spending years of research unraveling the mysteries of the ancient Egyptian language.

Definition of «hieroglyph»

Usage examples

See also