glimpse

1 of 2

verb

ˈglim(p)s 

glimpsed; glimpsing

transitive verb

: to get a brief look at

glimpsed him as he sped by in his car

intransitive verb

1

: to look briefly

glimpsed at the letter and then threw it aside

2

archaic : glimmer

glimpser noun

glimpse

2 of 2

noun

1

: a fleeting view or look

caught only a glimpse of the mugger

2

archaic : glimmer

Synonyms

Verb

• browse
• dip
• glance
• glint
• peek
• skim

Noun

• cast
• eye
• gander
• glance
• look
• peek
• peep
• regard
• sight
• view

Examples of glimpse in a Sentence

Verb

We glimpsed him through the window as his car sped past.

just glimpsed at the photo then turned his attention elsewhere

Noun

We caught a glimpse of him through the window as his car sped past.

I only got a glimpse of him as we drove by.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Snorkeling is a fun, beginner-friendly way to glimpse life below the surface. —Alex Schechter, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2024

To glimpse the tumultuous transitions in American college leadership these days, look no further than the witnesses set to testify at a congressional hearing on Thursday, the fourth in a fiery series on campus antisemitism that has helped topple two university presidents. —Stephanie Saul, New York Times, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English glimsen; akin to Middle High German glimsen to glimmer, Old English glǣm gleam

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

Noun

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

glimpse

1 of 2 verb

ˈglim(p)s 

glimpsed; glimpsing

: to take a brief look : see momentarily or incompletely

glimpsed the deer running

glimpser noun

glimpse

2 of 2 noun

: a short hurried view

catch a glimpse of something rushing by