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

Collins admits to feeling a kinship with Simpson, who was the target of the tabloids of her day. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026

When Kate and William got married, Pippa was front and center, and the tabloids took notice. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 May 2026

Adjective

The series, which premieres next year, follows the tabloid talk show host leading the search for killers using DNA evidence. —Peter White, Deadline, 11 May 2026

The experience marked a personal turning point, shifting public perception once again — from former tabloid fixtures to a family navigating real hardship. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026

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