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Synonyms

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.


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

"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

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

"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

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.

This brief glimpse of Daisy is another indication that there is more to come in the Mario movie franchise.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Between the graphs and equations, he says, you glimpse the people behind the missions; what their families were going through, what they knew and did not yet know as they pushed into the unknown.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 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

Dad snatched it off before I could see it good, but I do remember catching a glimpse of our faces on it.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas