pixelation
noun
pix·e·la·tion
ˌpik-sə-ˈlā-shən
plural pixelations
1
: the unwanted visible display of individual pixels in a digital image
Vector graphics are created using mathematical equations, enabling them to be scaled infinitely without losing quality. On the other hand, raster graphics are composed of individual pixels, which can lead to pixelation if resized significantly.—Adil Husnain
2
: the deliberate distortion of part of an image or video achieved by reducing resolution (see resolution sense 5b) to produce visible pixels that obscure details
Pixelation and blur filters are often used for censoring sensitive or explicit content.—Daniel Sims
pixelate
verb
pixelated; pixelating; pixelates
… zooming in further than that just pixelates the image.
—Will Henshall
I've pixelated the brand logo …
—JOE
Cite this Entry
“Pixelation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pixelation. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.
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