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rebus

noun · verb

Simple meaning

A puzzle where you decode a message made up of pictures representing syllables and words.

Pronunciation

Say it like this:

reebuhs

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US device voice
IPA pronunciation (US)

ˈɹibəs

This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.

Word Review

Definition

Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.

noun

  1. A puzzle where you decode a message consisting of pictures representing syllables and words

  2. An arrangement of pictures, symbols, or words representing phrases or words, especially as a word puzzle.

  3. crosswording

    A type of crossword puzzle in which some squares contain entire words, or symbols representing words, instead of single letters.

verb

  1. To represent (a phrase or word) as a rebus.

  2. To apply a rebus to (something).

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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.