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Pop Culture dictionary results for clickbait

clickbait

American  
[klik-beyt] / ˈklɪkˌbeɪt /

noun

  1. a sensationalized headline or piece of text on the internet designed to entice people to follow a link to an article on another web page.


adjective

  1. noting or relating to such internet content.

    Clickbait articles contribute to the online visibility of the news website.

Usage

What does clickbait mean? Clickbait describes misleading internet content or shocking headline titles that aim to drive traffic to a website.

Etymology

Origin of clickbait

First recorded in 1995–2000; click 1 (in the computer sense) + bait

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Clickbait panels, slick dealmaking and fake award ceremonies aren’t welcome.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2023

Clickbait headlines and pseudoscience claims prey on our cognitive biases, hobbling critical thinking.

From Scientific American • Mar. 27, 2023

Neither "Clickbait" nor "Nine Perfect Strangers" attempt to present themselves as accurate, true-to-life depictions of catfishing.

From Salon • Sep. 7, 2021

Whether you don’t want to give Clickbait the satisfaction of your click or you’ve already clicked many times over, let’s talk about it—and there is a lot to talk about—spoilers and all.

From Slate • Aug. 31, 2021

Readers don't want to pay for the internet; readers don't want ads; readers want better, expensive reporting and less "Clickbait."

From The Verge • Oct. 21, 2015

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