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. See broadsheet
   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

   tabloid television

   the tabloid press

Other Words From

• tabloid·ism 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

The rising tabloid industry created the infrastructure for the Bennifer press phenomenon.

From Vox

The objectification of Britney Spears was in every headline, tabloid report, paparazzi chase, late-night comedy joke, and ensuing media circus that financially capitalized on her struggles.

From The Daily Beast

America has become intimately familiar with a number of characters who, before about five years ago, made most of their media appearances in the New York City tabloids.

From Washington Post

The family drama that would play out on a TV show is now better suited for the immediacy of Instagram Stories, TikToks, and TMZ-like online tabloids.

From The Daily Beast

As Joseph Longo wrote for MEL last year, social media birthed a “new tabloid renaissance.”

From The Daily Beast

All this buzz, the continued tabloid fascination with Hurley, is down—absurdly—to that dress.

From The Daily Beast

Constand claimed that the accusation was patently false, and demanded $150,000 in damages from the tabloid and attorney.

From The Daily Beast

She agreed to meet with tabloid editors in New York City and take a lie detector test to back up her claims.

From The Daily Beast

The firing of a new executive brought in to shake up the flailing show is getting dead-movie-star tabloid coverage.

From The Daily Beast

In 2005, the tabloid was set to publish an exposé on Cosby, featuring allegations from new self-described Cosby victims.

From The Daily Beast

She wrote tabloid dramas, drove her own car, dressed smartly, and took a great interest in Maxwell's career.

From Project Gutenberg

A series of choice, tabloid talks—a spiritual meditation for every day in the year.

From Project Gutenberg

"Another aspirin is going to turn my luck," she thought, and therewith swallowed surreptitiously her last tabloid of the panacea.

From Project Gutenberg

Here is the whole art of flying in a tabloid as it were, with all its significance at last in evidence.

From Project Gutenberg

The tabloid ghost can communicate more thrills than the one in diluted narration.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• paper