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
That’s the gist of some concentration practices, according to Jude Star, a meditation teacher and integrative coach who has a meditation for ADHD course.
—
Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 6 Mar. 2025
That seems to be the gist of Netflix’s new original comedy mystery series The Residence, which arrives on the platform on March 20.
—Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025
That was the gist of Katie Szykman’s mother’s advice when the 23-year-old Philadelphian called in a panic.
—Alexandra Byrne, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
This 'official teaser' is a short but exciting one that jumps right into the action and the gist of these characters.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the gist
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.
Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 6 Mar. 2025
That seems to be the gist of Netflix’s new original comedy mystery series The Residence, which arrives on the platform on March 20.
—Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025
That was the gist of Katie Szykman’s mother’s advice when the 23-year-old Philadelphian called in a panic.
—Alexandra Byrne, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
This 'official teaser' is a short but exciting one that jumps right into the action and the gist of these characters.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the gist
Cite this Entry
“The gist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20gist. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share