What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hieroglyph
Example
The walls of the pyramid were covered in hieroglyphs depicting the pharaoh's life. [hieroglyph: noun]
Example
The meaning of the hieroglyphs on the artifact remains a mystery to this day. [hieroglyph: plural noun]
Example
The message was written in hieroglyphs, making it difficult to understand. [hieroglyph: adjective]
pictogram
Example
The restroom sign features a pictogram of a person wearing pants and a skirt. [pictogram: noun]
Example
The chart uses pictograms to represent the number of students in each grade. [pictogram: plural noun]
Example
Pictograms are often used in airports to help travelers navigate without relying on language. [pictogram: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pictogram is more commonly used than hieroglyph in everyday language. Pictograms are widely used in modern communication, such as signage, charts, and graphs, while hieroglyphs are primarily associated with ancient Egyptian history and culture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hieroglyph and pictogram?
Both hieroglyph and pictogram can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. However, hieroglyph may be perceived as more formal due to its association with ancient history and culture.
