pixelated

adjective

pix·​e·​lat·​ed ˈpik-sə-ˌlā-təd How to pronounce pixelated (audio)
of an image
: displayed in such a manner that individual pixels are discernible

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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 pixelated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On The Atlantic’s old website, the type was small and pixelated. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2024 The branches of the pine tree in the above photo appear blurry and pixelated, while the colors seem artificially bright. PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2024 The prolific, and anonymous, South Korean songwriter and producer combines shoegaze, post-rock, emo, ambient, and pop with bold originality—every song is a pixelated lightshow of live and electronic instrumentation. Pitchfork, 6 Dec. 2023 Who wants to deal with buffering or pixelated videos? Simon Hill, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2024 The macro lens is equally unimpressive, rendering dark and pixelated images. Sarah Lord, PCMAG, 5 Feb. 2024 The primal configuration, where the sensor has a single pixel and the illumination has good resolution, can be interpreted by its duality, where the pixelated screen works as a virtual sensor and the ambient light sensor as a virtual light source. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 23 Jan. 2024 The internet is now teeming with pictorial signs – pixelated images, emoji, and other typographical codes – that signal political dissent. Anna Furman, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Jan. 2024 The collection was filled with pixelated print and the million-dollar Speedy bag made its grand entrance. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 4 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pixelated.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

pixel + -ated (after pixilated)

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pixelated was in 1982

Dictionary Entries Near pixelated

Cite this Entry

“Pixelated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pixelated. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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