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glitch

noun \ ˈglich \
|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Definition of glitch

1 a : a usually minor malfunction
  • a glitch in a spacecraft's fuel cell
; also : 1bug 2
b : a minor problem that causes a temporary setback : snag
2 : a false or spurious electronic signal
—

glitchy

\ˈgli-chē\ adjective

See glitch defined for English-language learners

See glitch defined for kids

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Examples of glitch in a Sentence

  1. Glitches in the speaker's schedule caused some delays.

  2. A technical glitch caused a temporary shutdown.

Recent Examples of glitch from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'glitch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

There's a glitch in the etymology of glitch - the origins of the word are not known for sure, though it may derive from the Yiddish glitsh, meaning "slippery place." The first documented use of glitch in print in English is found in astronaut John Glenn's 1962 book Into Orbit. In it he wrote, "Literally, a glitch is a spike or change in voltage in an electrical circuit which takes place when the circuit suddenly has a new load put on it." Today, you don't have to be an astronaut to be familiar with the word glitch, which can be used of any minor malfunction or snag.

Origin and Etymology of glitch

perhaps from Yiddish glitsh slippery place, from glitshn (zikh) to slide, glide; akin to Old High German glītan to glide — more at glide

GLITCH Defined for English Language Learners

glitch

noun

Definition of glitch for English Language Learners

  • : an unexpected and usually minor problem; especially : a minor problem with a machine or device (such as a computer)

GLITCH Defined for Kids

glitch

noun \ ˈglich \

Definition of glitch for Students

: a usually minor problem

Learn More about glitch

  1. See words that rhyme with glitch Spanish Central: Translation of glitch Nglish: Translation of glitch for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of glitch for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about glitch

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