tabloid

1 of 2

noun

tab·​loid ˈta-ˌblȯid 

1

: a newspaper that is about half the page size of an ordinary newspaper and that contains news in condensed form and much photographic matter

2

: digest, summary

tabloid

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or resembling tabloids

especially : featuring stories of violence, crime, or scandal presented in a sensational manner

tabloid television

2

: compressed or condensed into small scope

tabloid criticism

tabloidism

ˈta-ˌblȯi-ˌdi-zəm 

noun

Examples of tabloid in a Sentence

Noun

She is used to seeing her name in the tabloids.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The ransom note is obtained by TMZ, an entertainment tabloid, which reports on it. —Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 19 Feb. 2026

Rupert’s British tabloids, though trashy, have at least been funny. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 18 Feb. 2026

Adjective

The show fully immerses you in the culture of New York in the ’90s, complete with Calvin Klein ads, tabloid magazines with zany headlines and partying at the Roxy nightclub. —Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026

When Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor first became a tabloid character in the 1980s, he was best known for his prankster nature, naval service, and a few scandalous girlfriends. —Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from Tabloid, a trademark

First Known Use

Noun

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

tabloid

noun

tab·​loid

ˈtab-ˌlȯid

: a newspaper about half the page size of an ordinary newspaper containing short often sensational news stories and many photographs