glitch

[ glich ]

noun

1. a defect or malfunction in a machine or plan.
2. Computers. any error, malfunction, or problem. Compare bug ¹( def 4 ).
3. a brief or sudden interruption or surge in voltage in an electric circuit.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause a glitch in:

   an accident that glitched our plans.

glitch

/ ɡlɪtʃ /

noun

1. a sudden instance of malfunctioning or irregularity in an electronic system
2. a change in the rotation rate of a pulsar

Word History and Origins

Origin of glitch¹

First recorded in 1960–65; perhaps from Yiddish glitsh “slippery area”; compare glitshn, German glitschen “to slip, slide”

Word History and Origins

Origin of glitch¹

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

On the other hand, the Duo’s software had some glitches of its own, not always quickly adapting to changes in orientation or swiping away apps immediately.

From Fortune

The exchange was forced to suspend trading for half a day, although HKEX CEO Charles Li said the suspension was due to a software glitch rather than the work of hackers.

From Fortune

This was a temporary glitch that lasted several hours last evening.

From Search Engine Land

Initially it looked like the Google algorithm updates from the old days but as time went on, it just looked like something was really off — as if there was a glitch.

From Search Engine Land

You may have lost a lot of traffic, new customers, revenue from this glitch — or you may have benefited.

From Search Engine Land

Sometimes, a tech glitch means you are prevented from looking at other users.

From The Daily Beast

There, Wynd confesses that he had spent the night sleeping on the floor, after a technical glitch was discovered around midnight.

From The Daily Beast

That would require the rocket to run for 55 to 60 seconds without a glitch.

From The Daily Beast

After all, what if you could use a software glitch to destroy machines that Iran is using to make nuclear bomb material?

From The Daily Beast

Heads of markets who have no idea how to fix problems when they arise just say there was a “technical glitch.”

From The Daily Beast

As the days went on, Iversen found himself growing fonder and fonder of the thor'glitch.

From Project Gutenberg

When the thor'glitch grew listless and began to swell in the middle, Iversen got alarmed and sent for Dr. Smullyan.

From Project Gutenberg

Now it came to pass that the thor'glitch's mid-section, having swelled to unbearable proportions, began to quiver.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bug
• defect
• flaw
• hitch
• malfunction
• mishap
• problem
• setback
• snafu
• snag