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

New for 2026 is Spectate in Style, a photo moment that captures the left-to-right head movement of watching tennis against a courtside backdrop and produces a shareable GIF. — Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Most users didn’t understand easy GIF access was provided by a third-party API and have directed their resulting anger at the platforms themselves. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026

Go back, watch the GIF above and look at where the ball is when Clement begins to veer. — Levi Weaver, New York Times, 8 June 2026

And that’s my favorite GIF on the internet. — Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

graphics interchange format

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing GIF

• reaction GIF