What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
glyph
Example
The ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphic glyphs to write their language. [glyph: noun]
Example
The font includes various glyphs for different languages and symbols. [glyph: noun]
Example
The chart uses different colored glyphs to represent the different data points. [glyph: noun]
icon
Example
Click on the icon to open the application. [icon: noun]
Example
Elvis Presley is an icon of rock and roll music. [icon: noun]
Example
The artist used an icon of a heart to represent love in the painting. [icon: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Icon is more commonly used than glyph in everyday language, especially in the context of digital media and popular culture. Glyph is more specialized and may not be familiar to all English learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between glyph and icon?
Glyph is often associated with academic or technical contexts, making it more formal than icon, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
