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

That’s because, where credit scores might give a grainy, pixelated image of a borrower, AI models give a high definition, 3D video. —Laura Bratton, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2024

Johnson’s depictions of pixelated, upside-down (Tiffany Blue) men recall 8-bit videogame characters. —Andrew Russeth, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024

But for millennials and Gen Xers, the boxy monitors and pixelated graphics will be familiar reminders of a not-so-distant technological past. —Steffi Cao, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024

Walkmen, camcorders, VHS tapes, pixelated videos of Bill Clinton and other signifiers of that period are deployed with the deftness of a cultural insider. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024

In this virtual world, players could transform into pixelated avatars, embark on adventures, and forge friendships, all while battling against the forces of evil. —David Moon (junseo Moon), Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

Poor Things was included in a grainy, pixelated state, but a high-quality version of Killers of the Flower Moon was on Kimi to stream, although an intrusive ad for online casinos was splashed across the top. —Reece Rogers, WIRED, 13 Feb. 2024

Since then, enthusiasts have hacked an ever-expanding list of devices to play the pixelated sci-fi horror adventure. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 Feb. 2024

On The Atlantic’s old website, the type was small and pixelated. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

pixel + -ated (after pixilated)

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above