glimpse
Americannoun
-
a very brief, passing look, sight, or view.
-
a momentary or slight appearance.
-
a vague idea; inkling.
-
Archaic. a gleam, as of light.
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
-
to look briefly; glance (usually followed byat ).
-
Archaic. to come into view; appear faintly.
noun
-
a brief or incomplete view
to catch a glimpse of the sea
-
a vague indication
he had a glimpse of what the lecturer meant
-
archaic a glimmer of light
verb
-
(tr) to catch sight of briefly or momentarily
-
to look (at) briefly or cursorily; glance (at)
-
archaic (intr) to shine faintly; glimmer
Usage
Glimpse is sometimes wrongly used where glance is meant: he gave a quick glance (not glimpse ) at his watch
Other Word Forms
- glimpser noun
- unglimpsed adjective
Etymology
Origin of glimpse
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English glimsen (verb); cognate with Middle High German glimsen “to glow”; akin to glimmer
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.
Despite the internet’s penchant for confusing popularity with profundity, “Heated Rivalry,” Canada’s completely inescapable gay romance series about two star-crossed hockey players, only has glimpses of true complexity.
From Salon
A glimpse into the Bitcoin options market—where traders bet on specific future price moves— suggests bearish sentiment for prices through next year.
From Barron's
Instead of ranking the restaurants that make the Golden State, in Addison’s words, a “culinary juggernaut,” the list, which is only a beginning, offers a glimpse into the cultures and diversities that make up California.
From Los Angeles Times
There were glimpses of each Tuesday night for USC, in a brutal 30-27 Alamo Bowl overtime defeat at the hands of Texas Christian.
From Los Angeles Times
The final glimpse inside Jenner’s home revealed her love of a very particular snack: Rolos.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
