Definition

A person or thing that makes something shorter in length or duration.

Example

The URL shortener made it easy to share links on social media.

Conversation

Have you ever used a URL shortener?

Yeah, they make sharing links so much easier.

I just found one that even tracks clicks!

That's cool! I need to check that shortener out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shortener → It is formed from "short" (from Old English *sceort*, meaning brief or not long) and "-ener" (a suffix used to indicate a person or thing that performs a specific action). The word "shortener" refers to something that makes something else shorter.

Memory Tip

Think of something that makes things 'brief' or 'not long' — that's what a shortener does.

Visually Confused Words