noun

ideogram

ID-ee-uh-gram

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Ideogram (noun) means an ideogram is a symbol or picture that represents an idea directly, rather than spelling out the sounds of a word. Example: “A traffic sign showing a car skidding is an ideogram rather than a word.”

noun

An ideogram is a symbol or picture that represents an idea directly, rather than spelling out the sounds of a word.

"A traffic sign showing a car skidding is an ideogram rather than a word."

"The @ symbol works as a modern ideogram understood across many languages."

"Digits such as 7 and 9 are ideograms because they represent ideas, not sounds."

How to use ideogram

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA symbol or picture that shows an idea straight away, without spelling out a word's sound.

When to use it

The word is a technical term from linguistics and writing systems, not everyday vocabulary.

Memory tip

An ideogram shows an idea directly, whereas a logogram represents a specific word or morpheme.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

pictogram → logogram

Common pairings

use an ideogram read an ideogram ideograms and pictograms a system of ideograms

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “ideogram” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A traffic sign showing a car skidding is an _____ rather than a word.

Etymology

Ideogram is formed from ideo-, relating to ideas, combined with the suffix -gram, meaning something written or drawn.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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ideograph

Rhymes for ideogram

program kilogram hologram monogram sonogram mammogram angiogram reprogram parallelogram electrocardiogram

See all rhymes for ideogram →

Frequently asked questions

What is an ideogram?

An ideogram is a picture or symbol that stands for an idea without spelling out how a word is pronounced.

What are some examples of ideograms?

Digits, traffic signs, and symbols such as @ are all examples of ideograms.

What is the difference between an ideogram and a pictogram?

A pictogram tends to resemble the thing it represents, while an ideogram can represent an idea more abstractly; the two are closely related terms.

What is the meaning of ideogram?

"ideogram" (noun) means an ideogram is a symbol or picture that represents an idea directly, rather than spelling out the sounds of a word.