tabloid

[tab-loid]

noun

1. a newspaper whose pages, usually five columns wide, are about one-half the size of a standard-sized newspaper page.

2. a newspaper this size concentrating on sensational and lurid news, usually heavily illustrated.

3. a short form or version; condensation; synopsis; summary.

adjective

1. compressed or condensed in or as if in a tabloid.

   a tabloid article; a tabloid account of the adventure.

2. luridly or vulgarly sensational.

tabloid

/ ˈtæblɔɪd /

noun

1. a newspaper with pages about 30 cm (12 inches) by 40 cm (16 inches), usually characterized by an emphasis on photographs and a concise and often sensational style Compare broadsheet

2. (modifier) designed to appeal to a mass audience or readership; sensationalist

   the tabloid press

   tabloid television

Other Word Forms

• tabloidism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tabloid¹

First recorded in 1905–10; tabl(et) + -oid

Word History and Origins

Origin of tabloid¹

C20: from earlier Tabloid, a trademark for a medicine in tablet form

Example Sentences

It was once the job of “sleazy” tabloids to destroy lives with lurid gossip that titillated the public but lacked public interest in the high-minded sense.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In response to the crisis, a tabloid newspaper started livestreaming a video of an unrefrigerated head of lettuce to see if it could outlast Truss’ premiership.

Read more on Barron's

In response to the crisis, a tabloid newspaper started livestreaming a video of an unrefrigerated head of lettuce to see if it could outlast Truss’ premiership.

Read more on Barron's

For decades Mr Sullivan and his family were haunted by tabloid press nicknames, including 'The Beast of Birkenhead', 'The Mersey Ripper', and 'The Wolfman'.

Read more on BBC

The German tabloid Bild had first reported the decision on Sunday, October 28.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• paper