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CGI

American  
[see-jee-ahy] / ˈsiˈdʒiˈaɪ /
Or cgi

abbreviation

Computers.
  1. computer-generated images; computer-generated imagery: digitally created graphics used in movies and other visual media, often in the form of 3D animation: null CG

    The latest movie in the franchise uses more practical effects and less CGI than its predecessors.

  2. Common Gateway Interface: a protocol for instructing a server to execute a user-generated script on an interactive website, such as when a user enters a query using an online form and receives information retrieved from a database (often used attributively).

    CGI enhances the utility of a site by enabling user interaction.

    A CGI script allows users of the site to search for information on a particular local physician.


CGI British  

abbreviation

  1. computer-generated image or imagery

  2. common gateway interface

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of CGI

First recorded in 1970–75


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.

See Examples For:

The sequel is flat and digital, loaded with garish CGI and set decoration that often mistakes boho chic for cottagecore.

From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2026

For sheer spectacle, behold the first physical build of General Grievous’ Wheel Bike, an invention previously only realized in CGI but built specifically for the museum at Lucas’ request.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

He said Johnson's performance was "on autopilot, like a piece of software" and criticised the use of CGI, which he said was "so deeply embedded" it feels like "another animation".

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026

It’s an onslaught of relentless, sometimes spectacular, action with puerile jokes and CGI that even its defenders tend to agree is pretty bad.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026

Unix sysadmins, who are almost always incorrigible hackers, generally consider it one of the languages of choice, and it is by far the most widely used tool for making `live' web pages via CGI.

From The Jargon File, Version 4.2.2, 20 Aug 2000 by Guy L. Steele

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