glitch

noun

\ ˈglich

Definition of glitch

1a : a usually minor malfunction a glitch in a spacecraft's fuel cell also : bug entry 1 sense 2

b : a minor problem that causes a temporary setback : snag

2 : a false or spurious electronic signal

Other Words from glitch Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about glitch

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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.

Examples of glitch in a Sentence

Glitches in the speaker's schedule caused some delays. A technical glitch caused a temporary shutdown.

Recent Examples on the Web

Amazon ‘Prime Day’ glitches cost company up to $99M: report. — Fox News, "FOX NEWS FIRST: Trump invites Putin to follow-up summit in Washington; Pompeo blasts 'absurd' Helsinki criticism," 20 July 2018 The glitch, which was flagged on social media Monday, allows one FaceTime user calling another to listen in while the recipient’s Apple device is still ringing—even if the person never accepts the call. — Robert Mcmillan, WSJ, "Apple Bug Enables Eavesdropping on FaceTime Users," 29 Jan. 2019 The massive vehicle was tested twice on unmanned missions (both ultimately successful) but the second flight had serious glitches, including vertical oscillations (dubbed the pogo effect) and premature engine shutdowns. — Ernie Mastroianni, Discover Magazine, "Apollo 8: Humanity's First Trip to the Moon," 21 Dec. 2018 Election day routinely brings with it a few glitches, none more worrisome than when a Californian is told his or her name isn’t on the list of registered voters and can’t cast a ballot. — John Myers, latimes.com, "5 important voting rules to know for California's primary," 4 June 2018 His military advocate protested a glitch at his hearing, and he was granted reconsideration and on multiple occasions had his indefinite detention status upheld. — Miami Herald Staff Report, miamiherald, "Who’s still held at Guantánamo," 24 Aug. 2016 To sidestep that glitch, make an appointment at a Planned Parenthood health center. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "13 Things No One Tells You About Your First Gyno Visit," 13 Sep. 2018 The only glitch was a little fender-bender in the town of Valladolid, covered by insurance on my American Express card. — New York Times, "The Frugal Five," 27 June 2018 If not for a legal glitch, as Sports Illustrated put it in an exhaustive and excellent study of the story, the crime may never have become public. — Vahe Gregorian, kansascity, "The Royals are considering trying to sign Luke Heimlich. Here's why they shouldn't," 25 June 2018

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.