thumb·nail
ˈthəm-ˌnāl 
-ˈnāl
1
: the nail of the thumb
2
: a miniature computer graphic sometimes hyperlinked to a full-size version
Examples of thumbnail in a Sentence
Noun
You can see a larger version of the picture by clicking on the thumbnail.
Adjective
a thumbnail outline of the plot of the novel
Recent Examples on the Web
Paul Elie, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Among the files are also hundreds of pages of thumbnail photographs, along with images of accompanying CD and DVD discs.
—Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 20 Dec. 2025
Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2022
What follows is a thumbnail survey of prison museums throughout the United States, selected for their geographic spread; some are widely known, while others are small gems that deserve a closer look.
—Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2022
See All Example Sentences for thumbnail
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Noun
As Pope Francis’s health faltered, the issue figured in the thumbnail biographies of his prospective successors assembled by media outlets from the Times to the traditionalist website CatholicVote, and advocates for survivors of clergy abuse have continued to raise it.
—Paul Elie, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Among the files are also hundreds of pages of thumbnail photographs, along with images of accompanying CD and DVD discs.
—Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 20 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Between the two fences that separate Reggie’s enclosure from the public is a sign with the thumbnail version of his remarkable journey to the Los Angeles Zoo 15 years ago today.
—Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2022
What follows is a thumbnail survey of prison museums throughout the United States, selected for their geographic spread; some are widely known, while others are small gems that deserve a closer look.
—Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2022
See All Example Sentences for thumbnail
Cite this Entry
“Thumbnail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumbnail. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
thumbnail
1 of 2 noun
thumb·nail
ˈthəm-ˌnāl
-ˈnā(ə)l
1
: the nail of the thumb
2
: a miniature computer graphic sometimes connected by a hyperlink to a larger version
thumbnail
2 of 2 adjective
thumb·nail
ˌthəm-ˌnāl
: brief entry 1
wrote a thumbnail sketch of the poet
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