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

Trump has had a complex relationship with the Post, his hometown tabloid, for decades. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026

As Bieber navigated young stardom, his misadventures became treasured material in the tabloids. —Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Harper is tipped off to Tender’s shady dealings by reporter Jim Dycker (Charlie Heaton), widening a foothold in the world of journalism previously established by Henry’s tabloid baron uncle Alexander (Andrew Havill). —Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026

What tabloid dross tends to obscure is his impressive career—first as a star dancer at the New York City Ballet, then as a roving choreographer of complex, dynamic work that is rooted in balletic conventions but not restricted by them. —Sara Krolewski, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 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