1. a stylized picture or symbol used in ancient Egyptian writing to represent a word, sound, or concept
2. a symbol or character that is difficult to decipher or understand
Usage: figurative

1. of, relating to, or written in hieroglyphics
2. difficult to read or understand; cryptic
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics to record their history and religious beliefs.
• The doctor's handwriting looks like hieroglyphics to me.
• Scholars spent centuries learning to decode hieroglyphic inscriptions on temple walls.
• The contract was written in such hieroglyphic language that no one could understand it.
• Each hieroglyphic symbol could represent a word, a sound, or an idea.
• The Rosetta Stone helped researchers finally decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics.