What does broadsheet mean?
A broadsheet is a newspaper printed on a large-format page, traditionally the standard size for serious publications. The term derives simply from the words 'broad' and 'sheet', describing the generous dimensions of the paper itself. Historically, a broadsheet was any large printed sheet — an advertisement, proclamation, ballad, or news notice — posted publicly or sold cheaply on the street. In modern usage, however, the word almost always refers to newspapers: in Britain particularly, calling a paper a broadsheet signals that it is a serious, high-quality publication dealing with politics, business, and culture, in contrast to the smaller, more sensational tabloids. Interestingly, the distinction has become partly metaphorical, since many respected papers, including The Times and The Guardian, have adopted smaller formats while keeping their broadsheet identity in spirit. The word remains useful shorthand for distinguishing sober journalism from its flashier cousin.
A newspaper printed on a large page format, conventionally associated with serious journalism.
"The story was picked up by every major broadsheet in the country."
Often used attributively ('a broadsheet newspaper') and frequently contrasted with 'tabloid'.
Historically, a large single printed sheet of paper bearing news, advertisements, proclamations, or popular verse.
"Antique dealers still sell Victorian broadsheets advertising travelling fairs."
Regular plural; used when referring to multiple newspapers of this format or multiple printed sheets.
"The library's collection includes hundreds of nineteenth-century broadsheets."
The word 'broadsheet' literally just means 'a broad sheet of paper' — the entire category of serious journalism is named for its page size.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of broadsheet
Broadsheet is formed transparently from the English words 'broad' (from Old English brād) and 'sheet' (from Old English scēat, a corner or lap, later a piece of cloth or paper), making it a native Germanic compound rather than a borrowing from Latin or Greek. It first appeared in the early seventeenth century, when printing made it possible to produce large single sheets for public distribution. Its sibling compound 'broadside', from the same pairing of 'broad' with a sheet-like noun, developed along a similar path and also came to mean both a printed sheet and, by extension at sea, the simultaneous firing of all guns on one side of a ship.
How broadsheet is actually used
In British English especially, 'broadsheet' carries connotations of seriousness and intellectual rigour by contrast with 'tabloid', which suggests sensationalism — though several major British papers have switched to tabloid or compact formats while retaining their broadsheet reputation. In American English it is used more neutrally to describe physical newspaper format.
Easily confused with broadsheet
A tabloid is a smaller-format newspaper often associated with sensational coverage, whereas a broadsheet is the larger traditional format associated with serious journalism.