tabloid

1 of 2

noun

tab·​loid ˈta-ˌblȯid 

1

: a newspaper that is about half the page size of an ordinary newspaper and that contains news in condensed form and much photographic matter

2

: digest, summary

tabloid

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or resembling tabloids

especially : featuring stories of violence, crime, or scandal presented in a sensational manner

tabloid television

2

: compressed or condensed into small scope

tabloid criticism

tabloidism

ˈta-ˌblȯi-ˌdi-zəm 

noun

Examples of tabloid in a Sentence

Noun

She is used to seeing her name in the tabloids.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Teague plays Jeff Shapiro, a cocky, risk-taking reporter for the Globe tabloid. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2024

That’s a fate that Jolie, who has been hounded by the paparazzi and the tabloids for decades, understands all too well. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 3 Sep. 2024

Adjective

Both Wilman and Shindler discussed snobbery in the industry and how having a tabloid or soap sensibility could inform high-end unscripted and drama. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 17 Sep. 2024

The set is also different, with the British version featuring a backdrop of fake tabloid headlines reflecting how print media drives the U.K. news agenda. —Scott Bryan, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from Tabloid, a trademark

First Known Use

Noun

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

tabloid

noun

tab·​loid

ˈtab-ˌlȯid

: a newspaper about half the page size of an ordinary newspaper containing short often sensational news stories and many photographs