pixel

noun

pix·​el ˈpik-səl 

-ˌsel

plural pixels

1

: any of the small discrete elements that together constitute an image (as on a television or digital screen)

… the number of pixels determines how sharp and realistic the image looks.

—Leslie Meredith

2

: any of the detecting elements of a solid-state optical sensor (such as a CCD or CMOS device)

The team used a new CCD detector that has an 8,192 by 8,192 pixel array, which makes it the world's largest astronomical CCD.

—Astronomy

the … CMOS image sensor provides a 9-µm pixel size …

—Mathew Dirjish

Did you know?

Is it pixelated or pixilated?

Pixelated is used to describe digital images in which individual pixels are discernable, as when you look closely at a large photo and can see the tiny dots that make up the image. Pixilated (coined from pixie, a pixie being a cheerful, mischievous sprite) is usually used to describe things considered whimsical, or people who seem dazed or lost in thought. While pixelated is a late 20th century coinage, pixilated has been in use since the mid-19th century.

Examples of pixel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To return to our bird identification model, this can work backward from its prediction that your photo contained a Northern Cardinal to highlight the specific pixels that clinched that classification. —ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026

Skeletor is all pixels with a clattering jaw perfect for chewing the scenery. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

This is a creator-class panel, with a crisp 262 pixels per inch and vivid color. —John Burek, PC Magazine, 3 June 2026

Plus, its 218 pixel density matches that of the Apple Studio Display and other 5K monitors. —Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

pix + element

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pixel

noun

pix·​el ˈpik-səl 

-ˌsel

: any of the small elements that together make up an image (as on a television screen) or sensor (as in a camera)

Etymology

from pix, an altered form of pictures, and element