Meaning of Rebus | Babel Free

Definitions

1. An arrangement of pictures, symbols, or words representing phrases or words, especially as a word puzzle.
2. A pictographic component of a compound character (e.g. sinograph) used to hint at the pronunciation of the compound.
3. An arrangement of pictures on a coat of arms which suggests the name of the person to whom it belongs.
   specifically
4. A type of crossword puzzle in which some squares contain entire words, or symbols representing words, instead of single letters.

Equivalents

Examples

“I back him at a Rebus or a Charade against the best Rhymer in the Kingdom—has your Ladyship heard the Epigram he wrote last week on Lady Frizzle's Feather catching Fire—”

“The prior [Will Bolton] used to come out here to hunt in summer and recreate himself, and his rebus—a barrel or tun shot through with a crossbow bolt—is set into the garden walls.”

“Instead of spelling out card suits, for example, perhaps the constructor inserted a "rebus," or picture icon for clubs, hearts, spades, or diamonds in one answer box.”

“Rebuses are a vital part of cryptic crosswords and even themed standard crossword puzzles, as modernized under the leadership of Will Shortz at The New York Times, make use of rebuses.”

“In the cruciverse, a rebus refers to a crossword that violates the basic "one letter per box" rule, requiring the entry of multiple letters - or even a number or symbol - into a single square”

CEFR level