yellow journalism

British  

noun

1. the type of journalism that relies on sensationalism and lurid exaggeration to attract readers

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yellow journalism Cultural  

1. Inflammatory, irresponsible reporting by newspapers. The phrase arose during the 1890s, when some American newspapers, particularly those run by William Randolph Hearst, worked to incite hatred of Spain, thereby contributing to the start of the Spanish-American War. Newspapers that practice yellow journalism are called yellow press.

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Etymology

Origin of yellow journalism

C19: perhaps shortened from the phrase Yellow Kid journalism, referring to the Yellow Kid, a cartoon (1895) in the New York World, a newspaper having a reputation for sensationalism

Example Sentences

And by the way, this is the second important lesson he learned from the U.S.—the power of sensationalism, yellow journalism.

From Slate • Mar. 2, 2026

He accused the Telegraph of yellow journalism and “effectively putting words in one’s mouth.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 3, 2023

There are countless examples like this; one doesn't have to look further than the "yellow journalism" of the late 19th century to find exaggerated reporting and shocking headlines designed solely to attract more eyeballs.

From Salon • Jul. 3, 2020

Enriched by well-chosen period illustrations, the book offers a bracing look at the scientific practices and yellow journalism of a century ago, while offering valuable lessons for potential medical scares in the future.

From Washington Post • Aug. 4, 2015

This "yellow journalism" is very irritating to one who cares more for facts than for thrills; and the more reputable newspapers have stood out against this disgraceful habit of their less scrupulous rivals.

From Problems of Conduct by Drake, Durant