SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

GIF

noun
Save Word
\ ˈgif How to pronounce GIF (audio) , ˈjif How to pronounce GIF (audio) \
plural GIFs

Definition of GIF

: 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

First Known Use of GIF

1987, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for GIF

graphics interchange format

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about GIF

Statistics for GIF

Cite this Entry

“GIF.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/GIF. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

More from Merriam-Webster on GIF

Nglish: Translation of GIF for Spanish Speakers

Comments on GIF

What made you want to look up GIF? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

slipshod

Listen to the pronunciation of slipshod

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

More Confusing Words—Quiz

  • cats on impossible timber
  • The magician ______ moved the selected card to the top of the deck.
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games