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 of glimpse

Verb

• peek
• glance

Noun

• glance
• peek
• look

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

The next total eclipse in the US The United States will next glimpse a total solar eclipse on March 30, 2033, and even then the Russia-centric path includes only Alaska, with totality lasting 2 minutes and 37 seconds. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

The Thunderbirds are the main attraction but some of the young civil air cadets from Indiana and Illinois were anxious to glimpse the new F-22 Raptor, a stealth jet that can remain invisible on radar. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Noun

The play blends fact, memory, and theatrical imagination, offering a glimpse into the creative forces behind one of the most influential works in American theater. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

Among the highlights are glimpses of Montana’s Glacier National Park, which is well worth a stop for a couple of days thanks to its astounding wildlife, mountains, and glaciers. — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for glimpse

• chimps
• limps
• pimps
• shrimps

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