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

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

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

Word History

Etymology

graphics interchange format

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing GIF

• reaction GIF