1. a route that is shorter than the usual one
2. a quicker way of doing or achieving something
3. an icon on a computer desktop that provides quick access to a program or file
Usage: computing

1. to use or take a shorter route

Examples

• I know a shortcut through the park that saves ten minutes.
• There’s no shortcut to learning a foreign language well.
• She created a shortcut to her favorite game on the desktop.
• The students shortcutted through the courtyard to get to class faster.
• Taking shortcuts in your homework will hurt your grades.
• We shortcutted across the field instead of following the path.
• Double-click the shortcut icon to open the program.