GIF

noun

ˈgif  ˈjif 

plural GIFs

: a computer file format for the compression and storage of visual digital information

also : an image or video stored in this format

Using emoji, emoticons and GIFs in a texted conversation instantly signals the difference between sincerity and a joke or sarcasm.

—Jenna Wortham

see also reaction gif

Examples of GIF in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fresh off a night out at the East Side Los Angeles gay bar Akbar, Early was ready to dish on the second wind the viral GIF has given his film, which premiered in theaters on June 19. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 18 Aug. 2026

However, Rhea left a GIF of a lone wolf on one of Moreno’s TikTok videos less than two weeks after the series wrapped. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

On July 13, Mone posted an hourglass GIF on Twitter, possibly suggesting Bayley’s WWE exit was only a matter of time. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

When an Instagram video with nearly 100 million views likened his appearance to a green onion — its wiry roots standing in as his hair — Haaland responded in the comments with a side-eyeing dog GIF. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

graphics interchange format

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing GIF

• reaction GIF