glimpse

American  

[glimps] / glɪmps /

noun

1. a very brief, passing look, sight, or view.

2. a momentary or slight appearance.

3. a vague idea; inkling.

4. Archaic. a gleam, as of light.

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verb (used with object)

glimpsed, glimpsing

1. to catch or take a glimpse of.

   Synonyms:

   espy, sight, view, spy, spot

verb (used without object)

glimpsed, glimpsing

1. to look briefly; glance (usually followed byat ).

2. Archaic. to come into view; appear faintly.

glimpse British  

/ ɡlɪmps /

noun

1. a brief or incomplete view

   to catch a glimpse of the sea

2. a vague indication

   he had a glimpse of what the lecturer meant

3. archaic a glimmer of light

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verb

1. (tr) to catch sight of briefly or momentarily

2. to look (at) briefly or cursorily; glance (at)

3. 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

Like peeking at the guts of the iPhone, it was the first glimpse of something before anyone knew what it could be.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

He told BBC Radio CWR it offered a "glimpse" into his life, which he said had "always been open" since he started making music.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Because its light has traveled for more than 13 billion years, it provides a glimpse into the universe when it was less than a billion years old.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

These facilities may, people like Scott hope, offer a glimpse at the future of American health care.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

As he did, he caught a glimpse of someone standing just behind the trees.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Related Words

• flash
• glance
• impression
• peek
• sight
• sighting