thumbnail

American  

[thuhm-neyl] / ˈθʌmˌneɪl /

noun

1. the nail of the thumb.

2. anything quite small or brief, as a small drawing or short essay.

3. Printing. a small, rough dummy.

4. Also called porkchop.  Journalism, Printing. a half-column portrait in a newspaper.

---

adjective

1. quite small or brief; concise.

   a thumbnail description of Corsica.

verb (used with object)

1. to make a thumbnail sketch or description of.

thumbnail British  

/ ˈθʌmˌneɪl /

noun

1. the nail of the thumb

2. (modifier) concise and brief

   a thumbnail sketch

3. computing a small image which can be expanded

---

Etymology

Origin of thumbnail

First recorded in 1595–1605; thumb + nail

Example Sentences

Gensler’s daughter created the show’s thumbnail art; his son-in-law built its website.

From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026

On X, Kurt Caz dismissed criticism of the thumbnail as "clickbait" and said "if you're going to do a hit piece on me do it properly".

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

But if that thumbnail sketch makes “Lux” sound like homework, the songs themselves are immediate and visceral, and the singer’s impassioned delivery is an invitation to listen more closely.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

But the movie’s verité style of thumbnail portraiture doesn’t always dovetail neatly with the other elements: the unloading of facts, getting those drone shots in and projecting a thriller-like atmosphere.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2025

He stood by the smaller fire in front of the doorway, gnawing his thumbnail and glaring at Torak.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver