thumbnail

1 of 2

noun

thumb·​nail ˈthəm-ˌnāl 

-ˈnāl

1

: the nail of the thumb

2

: a miniature computer graphic sometimes hyperlinked to a full-size version

thumbnail

2 of 2

adjective

: concise, brief

a thumbnail sketch

Synonyms of thumbnail

Adjective

• summary
• concise
• brief

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

Noun

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

Today, the girl on the screen uses her thumbnail to slice open a box. —Literary Hub, 10 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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing thumbnail

• thumbnail sketch

Rhymes for thumbnail

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email

Kids 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