rebuses

Noun

rebus (plural rebuses or (rare) rebusses or (hypercorrect, rare) rebi)

1. An arrangement of pictures, symbols, or words representing phrases or words, especially as a word puzzle.
   • 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—1777, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, The School for Scandal, I.i

   Synonyms:

   rebus puzzle, dingbat

2. A pictographic component of a compound character (e.g. sinograph) used to hint at the pronunciation of the compound.
3. (specifically) An arrangement of pictures on a coat of arms which suggests the name of the person to whom it belongs.
   • 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.2020 March 5, Hilary Mantel, “Salvage: London, Summer 1536”, in The Mirror & the Light, London: 4th Estate, →ISBN, page 122
4. (crosswording) A type of crossword puzzle in which some squares contain entire words, or symbols representing words, instead of single letters.
   • 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.2008 August 5, Michelle Arnot, Four-Letter Words: And Other Secrets of a Crossword Insider, Penguin, →ISBN, page 37

See all 6 meanings of rebus