the gist
noun
: the general or basic meaning of something said or written : the main points
—usually + of
The gist of her argument was that the law was unfair.
I didn't read the whole article, but I got the gist of it.
Examples of the gist in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Step right this way for an in-depth explainer on how to clean and care for it, but here’s the gist: At least once a month, pull out a clean microfiber cloth, a food-grade mineral oil, and a food-safe board sealant that combines oil with a protective beeswax.
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Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 17 Sep. 2024
That’s the gist of the provisional calendar Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, or CNMI, released on Wednesday for the upcoming edition of Milan Fashion Week, running Sept. 17 to 23.
—Sandra Salibian, WWD, 24 July 2024
Here was the gist of the pitch: LaVine could be gotten by simply matching the money he’s owed, getting the Bulls out from underneath a contract that’s likely going to last until 2027 and cost the team $138 million.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024
Essentially, in every ad spot, the gist was to leave potential audiences yearning to know what happens next.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the gist 
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Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 17 Sep. 2024
That’s the gist of the provisional calendar Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, or CNMI, released on Wednesday for the upcoming edition of Milan Fashion Week, running Sept. 17 to 23.
—Sandra Salibian, WWD, 24 July 2024
Here was the gist of the pitch: LaVine could be gotten by simply matching the money he’s owed, getting the Bulls out from underneath a contract that’s likely going to last until 2027 and cost the team $138 million.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024
Essentially, in every ad spot, the gist was to leave potential audiences yearning to know what happens next.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the gist
Dictionary Entries Near the gist
Cite this Entry
“The gist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20gist. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
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