Shortcut: meaning, definitions and examples

Useful to describe a simplified method or a combination of keys to perform a task quickly on computers or in everyday life.

• I created a shortcut to open the application faster.
• Taking the shortcut through the park saved us a lot of time.

Refers to a key or combination of keys designed to expedite actions, often used in settings involving software or hardware.

• Assign a quick key to frequently used commands to save time.
• Using quick keys can make your workflow much faster.

Typically used in computing to describe a combination of keys that perform a specific action or open a specific function.

• Press the hotkey Ctrl+S to save your document.
• You can use hotkeys to quickly navigate through the software.

Commonly used in technology to refer to hardware or software that increases speed, or in cars to describe the pedal that increases the car's speed.

• The new graphics accelerator makes games run smoother.
• Press the accelerator gently to start the car.

Use when referring to a quicker or more direct route than the usual one. Often used in everyday speech to describe a faster way to reach a destination.

• Let's take the shortcut through the park to get to school faster.
• She found a shortcut to finish the project ahead of time.

Typically used when talking about a planned route that is taken to avoid a blockage or construction. It often implies a longer route rather than a shorter one.

• The main road is closed, so we'll have to take a detour.
• Due to the parade, there’s a detour around the city center.

Refers to a path or route that cuts through an area to make the trip shorter, often informally or temporarily accessible. Can sometimes be used to describe unauthorized or unconventional paths.

• There’s a cut-through behind the shopping center that takes you straight to the highway.
• Kids often use the alley as a cut-through to the playground.

Mainly used to describe a less obvious or less traveled route, often through smaller roads or paths. Can imply a more scenic or quieter path.

• We can avoid the traffic by taking the back way.
• He knows the back way to the old town, which is quite scenic.

Repeated entry intentionally omitted for uniqueness, covered in the first entry.

• Already provided above.

Used mainly in computer and software contexts to describe the action of creating an icon or link that provides quick access to a program, file, or website.

• Right-click on the desktop to create a shortcut.
• You can create a shortcut to your favorite website on your home screen.

Informal term commonly used in digital marketing and website management contexts to create hyperlinks or buttons for rapid navigation.

• Make a quick link to the product page for easier customer access.
• You can make a quick link for your social media profiles.

Formal or technical jargon, mostly used in software development or IT to describe the process of making something easily accessible, usually with the help of automation or coding.

• The new update allows users to generate quick access to frequently used features.
• We need to generate quick access for the admin dashboard.