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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Umanmielen responded with a GIF of a smiling, but famously blind, Stevie Wonder. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025 Not the point of the scene or the possibility of my body, a spectacle, living in a corner of the internet, infinitely humpin’ on a GIF that sixteen-year-olds can use in a group chat. Sophie Ansari, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 Carr, who apparently reacted to Kimmel's suspension last week by sending a GIF of TV characters doing a celebratory dance to a journalist, yesterday described his role at the FCC as that of a dispassionate arbiter. Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025 Alpine posted a funny GIF on X after Sainz stopped by. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025 In response, Carr tweeted a GIF of Jack Nicholson nodding in what appeared to be confirmation. Mikelle Street, Them., 18 Sep. 2025 The kids probably know Redford for the GIF from this Western of his very bearded self giving a nod of approval. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025 Truthfully, Mooney and Bateman were a Spider-Man-pointing GIF last year. Jake Ciely, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025 Another one used a GIF from Dragon Ball to express their feelings about the situation. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

graphics interchange format

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of GIF was in 1987

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“GIF.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/GIF. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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