GIF

or gif

[ jif or, sometimes, gif ]

noun

a set of standards and file format for storage of digital color images and short animations.
a file or image stored in this format.

verb (used with object),GIFFed or giffed, GIFF·ing or gif·fing.

to create a static or animated GIF from (an image or set of images): She GIFFed her favorite actor having a good laugh and posted it on her blog.

Origin of GIF

First recorded in 1985–90; g(raphic) i(nterchange) f(ormat)

pronunciation note For GIF

It is understandable that computer users who encounter this acronym for the first time might well assume that since the “G” stands for “graphic,” gif should similarly be pronounced with an initial hard g, as in go and give. However, the inventor of the format, Steve Wilhite, has insisted from its introduction at a computer conference in the late 1980s that the pronunciation is [jif], /dʒɪf/, with an initial soft g, as in gelatin and giant. That pronunciation is even part of the official specifications for the format and is the one used by many computer gurus, but both pronunciations are commonly in use.

Words Nearby GIF

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use GIF in a sentence

“What The Little Mermaid Taught Us About Being Grown-Ups,” Vanity Fair commemorated in a GIF-laden post.
When the Religious Right Attacked ‘The Little Mermaid’ | Asawin Suebsaeng | November 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
GIF tributes on Buzzfeed and the like, you begin embracing that TV character you spent so long trying to shake.
'Boy Meets World' Star Danielle Fishel Is OK with Being Topanga Forever | Kevin Fallon | September 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
GIF-able when he goes jogging in sweatpants, if you know what I mean.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Got Married and We’re Worried About Jennifer Aniston | Kevin Fallon, Tim Teeman | August 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
But underneath the perfect body, inimitable voice, and made-for-GIF dance moves, Beyoncé is just like anyone else.
Elevator Music Beyoncé Doesn’t Want to Hear: Jay Z’s ‘Mistress’ Drops ‘Sorry Mrs. Carter’ | Amy Zimmerman | August 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The GFY (pronounced “jiffy”) is essentially a more technologically advanced version of the ubiquitous GIF.
Are GFYs Bad For Your Sex Life? | Lizzie Crocker | March 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

It is good, Miss Lu, to have a kind papa, rich enough to GIF you all things needful for a young lady to wear.
Elsie's Vacation and After Events | Martha Finley
"GIF heem all you got," Anderson, a big Scandinavian and particularly fond of Rouse, yelled.
The Argus Pheasant | John Charles Beecham
It GIF me a cholt, Matt, ven you saidt dose t'ings vas bearls, und I recollectioned vat vas saidt in der note about bearls.
Motor Matt's Mystery | Stanley R. Matthews
GIF dem blenty pomb und der sicnal vatch for, und ven it vas GIF shoot und kill und spare nopoddy!
Tin-Types Taken in the Streets of New York | Lemuel Ely Quigg
I say, 'Nein, vait, GIF der wretched beoples some chance to be safe.
Tin-Types Taken in the Streets of New York | Lemuel Ely Quigg

British Dictionary definitions for GIF

GIF

/ (ɡɪf) /

nouncomputing

- a standard compressed file format used for pictures
- a picture held in this format

Origin of GIF

C20: from g (raphic) i (nterchange) f (ormat)

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

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