noun
rebus
REE-buhs
Rebus (noun) means a puzzle that uses pictures or symbols to represent words or parts of words. Example: “The greeting card had a rebus that spelled out "I love you" with a heart and an eye.”
noun
1
A puzzle that uses pictures or symbols to represent words or parts of words.
"The greeting card had a rebus that spelled out "I love you" with a heart and an eye."
How to use rebus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA picture-puzzle where images stand in for words or sounds.
Common pairings
solve a rebus
a rebus puzzle
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like rebus.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- rebuses, rebusses, rebi
- Third person singular
- rebuses, rebusses
- Past tense
- rebused, rebussed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The greeting card had a _____ that spelled out "I love you" with a heart and an eye.
Etymology
From French rébus, probably from Latin rēbus ("by things"), though the exact link between the Latin phrase and the puzzle sense is uncertain.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for rebus
See all rhymes for rebus →Frequently asked questions
What does “rebus” mean?
The word “rebus” means a puzzle that uses pictures or symbols to represent words or parts of words. In plain terms, a picture-puzzle where images stand in for words or sounds.
How do you pronounce “rebus”?
“Rebus” is pronounced REE-buhs (/ˈɹibəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “rebus” in a sentence?
Here is “rebus” used in a sentence: “The greeting card had a rebus that spelled out "I love you" with a heart and an eye.”
What part of speech is “rebus”?
“Rebus” is a noun.
Where does the word “rebus” come from?
The word “rebus” comes from Latin. From French rébus, probably from Latin rēbus ("by things"), though the exact link between the Latin phrase and the puzzle sense is uncertain.
