pixelated

adjective

pix·​e·​lat·​ed ˈpik-sə-ˌlā-təd 

of an image

: displayed in such a manner that individual pixels are discernible

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 pixelated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The journey from pixelated sandbox game to Hollywood blockbuster wasn’t without its challenges. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 June 2025

Wiggling your mouse around rooms full of pixelated enemies and watching the screen explode into a cacophony of low-res explosions scratches a twitch-gaming itch that's about a lot more than nostalgia. —John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025

The schedule reveal video posted Wednesday in the pixelated style of Minecraft surpassed 1 million views on X, formerly known as Twitter, in 45 minutes, and 4 million in three hours, confirming the Chargers’ social media dynasty. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025

Ever wondered why your text messages sometimes fail to send, show up pixelated or don’t appear at all on the other person’s end? —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

pixel + -ated (after pixilated)

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pixelated

• abdicated
• abrogated
• acclimated
• activated
• actuated
• adumbrated
• advocated
• aggravated
• aggregated
• agitated
• allocated
• alternated