tabloid

American  

[tab-loid] / ˈtæb lɔɪd /

noun

• tabloids
  plural

1. a newspaper whose pages, usually five columns wide, are about one-half the size of a standard-sized newspaper page.

2. a newspaper this size concentrating on sensational and lurid news, usually heavily illustrated.

3. a short form or version; condensation; synopsis; summary.

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adjective

1. compressed or condensed in or as if in a tabloid.

   a tabloid article; a tabloid account of the adventure.

2. luridly or vulgarly sensational.

tabloid British  

/ ˈtæblɔɪd /

noun

1. a newspaper with pages about 30 cm (12 inches) by 40 cm (16 inches), usually characterized by an emphasis on photographs and a concise and often sensational style Compare broadsheet

2. (modifier) designed to appeal to a mass audience or readership; sensationalist

   the tabloid press

   tabloid television

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• tabloidism
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• tabloids
  plural

Etymology

Origin of tabloid

First recorded in 1905–10; tabl(et) + -oid

Explanation

A tabloid is a newspaper, especially one that's smaller than a traditional daily paper and focuses on sensational news items. If you're lucky, you might read some juicy tabloid headlines when you pass the corner newsstand. A tabloid is more likely to print celebrity gossip or crime stories with large photographs than news about international issues or the economy, especially on the front page. Tabloids aren't taken entirely seriously as journalism, although they are very popular and tend to sell well. The word tabloid originally meant "small tablet of medicine" in the 1880's. By 1900, it also meant "a compressed form of anything," including journalism.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tabloid tabloids

But Liverpool Crown Court heard Owen had "fabricated the events" to "get rid of the vehicle" and get out of his finance agreement - and later even sold the story to tabloid newspapers.

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

The ceremony, per tabloid reporting, was interminable, with both bride and groom delivering a 20-minute set of vows.

From Salon ● Jul. 9, 2026

The prince has spoken extensively about the impact that tabloid newspapers, paparazzi and private investigators have had on his life.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

The prince gave emotional testimony during the proceedings, in which several high-profile figures, including pop star Elton John and actor Elizabeth Hurley, accused the tabloid publisher of invading their privacy.

From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026

The new technology of steam-run printing presses could spit out cheap tabloid newspapers by the thousands.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

The case, the third and final one brought by the Duke of Sussex in his acrimonious legal battle with British tabloids, has further strained relations with the royal family.

From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026

But that campaign against the tabloids, with some wins, most notably against the Mirror group, seems to be ending.

From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026

But then there are the moments that were played out in tabloids — one of them is the Bryant Park episode.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2026

Instead, Harron engages with Solanas’ work inside the context of the world in which Solanas created it, depicting her with far more empathy than the tabloids ever afforded.

From Salon ● Apr. 29, 2026

“At least, that’s what the tabloids are all whispering about.”

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

Related Words

• paper