GIF

American  

[jif, gif] / dʒɪf, gɪf /

Or gif

noun

1. a set of standards and file format for storage of digital color images and short animations.

2. a file or image stored in this format.

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verb (used with object)

GIFFed, giffed, GIFFing, giffing

1. 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.

GIF British  

/ ɡɪf /

noun

1. 1. a standard compressed file format used for pictures

   2. a picture held in this format

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Pronunciation

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 , 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.

Etymology

Origin of GIF

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

Example Sentences

Her most recent viral scandal has gotten her animated into that Homer-Simpson-in-a-hedge GIF.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

So every now and then he’d send a funny GIF to lighten the mood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

One user, @shannjann on X, tweeted an uproarious laughing GIF with the caption “southwest said ‘ya’ll broke???

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2025

When the country next reaches out for a line of credit, expect foreign banks to text us back the blinking-eyes GIF.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2025

The GIF was in black and white, but the photo was otherwise identical.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan