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
With Airbnb bungalows renting for several times normal rates, locals test-drive hosting the world — and glimpse what Olympic crowds could bring next. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 Saturday, June 6 began early for onlookers, fans, and reporters, all of whom assembled at the crack of dawn in hopes of glimpsing the couple and their wedding party. — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 6 June 2026
Noun
Streets became clogged as people waited outside venues hoping to catch a glimpse of the singer. — Bryan West, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Additionally, tents and canopies will be set up to prevent the public from catching glimpses of arrivals and departures, the sources explained. — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 30 June 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 7 Jul. 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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