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

After surviving the tabloids, the actress opens up about transitioning, visibility, and life as the daughter of Hollywood legends. —Ava Pauline Emilione, Them., 29 Apr. 2025

When an awards show snafu results in a rescue from MLB’s most eligible player, Miles, the tabloids explode with speculation. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Adjective

For months, then years, as lawsuits flew and criminal trials unfolded, the tabloid spectacle around the case overshadowed a private, personal tragedy. —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Although the London Marathon’s entry rules are currently unaffected, British conservative media and tabloid newspapers are already putting pressure on the event to change its policies. —Abby Monteil, Them., 25 Apr. 2025

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