How Do You Spell REBUS?

Pronunciation: [ɹɪbjˈuːz] (IPA)

Rebus is a word that refers to a puzzle consisting of pictures and letters that represent words or phrases. The phonetic transcription for rebus is /ˈriːbəs/, which shows that it is pronounced with two syllables. The beginning of the word is pronounced as ‘ree,’ which sounds like the word ‘tree’ without the ‘t.’ The second syllable is pronounced as ‘bəs,’ which rhymes with the word ‘bus.’ The unique spelling of rebus is likely to have originated from its Latin roots, where it meant ‘by things’ or ‘by matters.’

REBUS Meaning and Definition

  1. A rebus is a type of puzzle or word game that employs the use of pictures or symbols to represent words, phrases, or parts of words. It involves the combination of visual elements to convey a message or solve a riddle. In this form of linguistic puzzle, each image or symbol represents a syllable or sound, and when combined together, they create a word or phrase.

    Originating from the Latin word "rebus," meaning "by means of things," a rebus is essentially a form of wordplay that relies on visual cues rather than relying solely on written or spoken language. It is often used as a form of amusement, entertainment, or mental exercise, appealing to individuals of various age groups and intellectual capabilities.

    Rebus puzzles can take various forms, including images, drawings, or illustrations that are combined to depict a hidden word or phrase. Common examples of rebus puzzles include using pictures to represent syllables or sounds, or arranging pictures in a specific order to form a familiar phrase. The challenge lies in deciphering the visual clues and mentally translating them into coherent words or phrases.

    Rebuses have been popular throughout history and have been used in diverse cultures and languages. They are commonly found in puzzle books, newspapers, children's literature, and online platforms, serving as a form of interactive and engaging entertainment that enhances language and visual processing skills.

  2. A riddle in which words and phrases are represented by pictures of things, whose names chance to bear some resemblance to them in sound, as the figure of an eye for the pron. I; common in former times as a family device or bearing, an example of which may be seen on one of the windows of a chapel in Gloucester Cathedral-the name Compton is represented by the picture of a comb, followed by the syllable ton.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for REBUS

Etymology of REBUS

The word "rebus" has its origins in Latin. It comes from the phrase "non verbis, sed rebus" which means "not by words, but by things". The word "rebus" itself first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century, referring to pictorial representation that represents words or syllables.

Similar spelling words for REBUS

Plural form of REBUS is REBUSES

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