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

Explanation

If you had a brief or incomplete look at something, you had a glimpse. "He didn't mean to peek, but he got a glimpse of his birthday present when his wife tried to sneak it into the house. Of course, it's pretty hard to hide a ladder." You can use glimpse as a noun (like when you "catch a glimpse of someone") or as a verb (like when you "glimpse in someone's direction"). Although the word glimpse is usually used to describe the physical act of sneaking a peek at something, you can also use the noun glimpse to indicate a vague idea or suggestion. Perhaps, you can have a glimpse into your future by observing your parents' actions or by consulting a Tarot card reader.

Example Sentences

Earlier this year, Louis Theroux's Inside the Manosphere documentary offered a glimpse at what content creators are like away from young men's algorithms.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

The site has now yielded evidence of a distinct group of Neanderthals, offering a rare glimpse into how these ancient humans may have lived together.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026

If you want a glimpse of it, you don’t even need an invitation.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

When Sam looks at Hally, he hopes to catch a glimpse of the future he has tried in his loving way to shape.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

After a moment, a head popped over the side of the hole, the young face she had caught a glimpse of before.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Related Words

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