verb Uncommon

shortcut

SHAWT-kuht

Shortcut (verb) means to take a quicker or more direct route or method than usual. Example: “We shortcut through the alley to save five minutes.”

verb

To take a quicker or more direct route or method than usual.

"We shortcut through the alley to save five minutes."

"You can't shortcut years of practice."

How to use shortcut

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo use a faster, more direct way of getting somewhere or doing something.

Common mistake

More commonly used as a noun ("take a shortcut") than as this verb form.

Common pairings

take a shortcut no shortcuts

Word forms

shortcutted past tense, shortcut past tense, shortcuts singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

We _____ through the alley to save five minutes.

Etymology

From short + cut.

Frequently asked questions

What does “shortcut” mean?

The word “shortcut” means to take a quicker or more direct route or method than usual. In plain terms, to use a faster, more direct way of getting somewhere or doing something.

How do you pronounce “shortcut”?

“Shortcut” is pronounced SHAWT-kuht (/ˈʃoɹtˌkʌt/ in IPA).

How do you use “shortcut” in a sentence?

Here is “shortcut” used in a sentence: “We shortcut through the alley to save five minutes.”

What part of speech is “shortcut”?

“Shortcut” is a verb.

Is “shortcut” a common word?

“Shortcut” is an uncommon word in modern English.