glimpse

1 of 2

verb

ˈglim(p)s 

glimpsed; glimpsing

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

Verb

• browse
• dip
• glance
• glint
• peek
• skim

Noun

• cast
• eye
• gander
• glance
• look
• peek
• peep
• regard
• sight
• view

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

Verb

One need only look around the office or the news cycle to glimpse this phenomenon in action: The key to garnering influence, favor and, for that matter, votes, appears increasingly to be bold proclamations and ceaseless agitation in the face of a real or imagined threat. —Martin Gutmann, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2025

The nascent motion picture industry was in the midst of the monumental transition from silent to sound film, and traces of the effort can be glimpsed all over the public domain registry. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 2 Jan. 2025

Noun

This means people in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will be able to catch a glimpse of the planet parade on a clear night. —Athena Sobhan, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025

This remarkable discovery offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the region, providing valuable insights into past voyages. —Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

glimpse

1 of 2 verb

ˈglim(p)s 

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