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 delicate creation, which could only just be glimpsed beneath her high-neck striped top, is believed to be a way to honor her three children, with one strand representing each. — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 2 Aug. 2026

To wander past St James’ Park on the morning of October 8, 2021, glimpsing workers and fans cleaning up the debris of 12 hours earlier, was to observe the aftermath of an awakening. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Noun

Ratajkowski held her phone at arm’s length while seated sideways on the lounge chair, with rows of beach chairs and a glimpse of the water surrounding her. — Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026

But there is no denying that the Padres’ 5-1 loss to the Diamondbacks at the end of deadline day provided a glimpse at their doomsday scenario. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 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