Definition & Meaning of "pictograph"

What is a "pictograph"?

A pictograph is a symbol or image that represents a word, idea, or concept through a visual depiction rather than through letters or phonetic sounds. Pictographs are often used in early forms of writing and can be found in ancient scripts, such as Egyptian hieroglyphs and Sumerian cuneiform. For example, a simple drawing of a sun might represent the concept of "sun" or "day." Pictographs are significant in communication, as they can convey meanings across different languages and cultures, allowing for a form of understanding that relies on visual imagery rather than specific words or sounds.