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

These treks stretch your endurance, quiet your head and drop you into places most travelers only glimpse from an airplane window. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Foreign Tongues also finds the Glimmer Twins glimpsing the apocalypse once again. — David Harris, SPIN, 6 July 2026

Noun

This final stretch offers a glimpse of everyday life outside the city, while also building anticipation as the trip continues into downtown Pittsburgh, where the rivers and bridges above create a breathtaking cityscape. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026

Kate and Charlotte’s cute, giggly moment wasn’t the only glimpse into the royal family’s bond at the event. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 14 July 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