glimpse

1 of 2

verb

ˈglim(p)s How to pronounce glimpse (audio)
glimpsed; glimpsing
Synonyms of glimpse

transitive verb

: to get a brief look at
glimpsed him as he sped by in his car

intransitive verb

1
: to look briefly
glimpsed at the letter and then threw it aside
2
archaic : glimmer
glimpser noun

glimpse

2 of 2

noun

1
: a fleeting view or look
caught only a glimpse of the mugger
2
archaic : glimmer

Synonyms of glimpse

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Verb

Noun

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Examples of glimpse in a Sentence

Verb We glimpsed him through the window as his car sped past. just glimpsed at the photo then turned his attention elsewhere Noun We caught a glimpse of him through the window as his car sped past. I only got a glimpse of him as we drove by.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Some analysts who spoke to ABC News before the earnings report predicted volatility in the share price after investors glimpsed the latest financial disclosure. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 Hinata boasts over 500 acres, including several miles of hiking trails, offering abundant opportunities to glimpse wildlife. — Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
Narrated by Diane Lane, reciting Eleanor’s journals from the time, this is a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse that is both process-oriented and touchingly personal. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026 In the interview, Kubrick talks about directing actors, independent filmmaking, football and even his beloved pets, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of one of cinema’s most influential figures. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for glimpse

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English glimsen; akin to Middle High German glimsen to glimmer, Old English glǣm gleam

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

Noun

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of glimpse was in the 14th century

Rhymes for glimpse

See All Rhymes for glimpse

Browse Nearby Words

glimmery
glimpse
Glinka
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glimpse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glimpse. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

glimpse

1 of 2 verb
ˈglim(p)s How to pronounce glimpse (audio)
glimpsed; glimpsing
: to take a brief look : see momentarily or incompletely
glimpsed the deer running
glimpser noun

glimpse

2 of 2 noun
: a short hurried view
catch a glimpse of something rushing by

More from Merriam-Webster on glimpse

Nglish: Translation of glimpse for Spanish Speakers

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