What does glance mean?
A glance is a quick, momentary look, and the related verb means to look briefly at someone or something. The expression “at a glance” is especially common when information can be understood immediately, while “exchange glances” refers to two people looking toward one another, often to communicate silently. As a verb, glance commonly occurs with “at,” as in “glance at a screen,” and with “through,” as in “glance through a report.” Unlike stare or gaze, glance emphasizes the short duration of the look rather than the viewer’s emotional focus. It can suggest casualness, distraction, speed, or a deliberately discreet observation, but it remains neutral in tone and is equally common in everyday conversation and formal writing. Although a glimpse is closely related, a glance usually describes the act of looking, while a glimpse more often denotes the brief view obtained.
A quick, brief look at someone or something.
"He cast a glance toward the doorway."
Often used in the fixed expression “at a glance” and with “exchange,” as in “exchange glances.”
To look at someone or something briefly, suddenly, or without stopping.
"She glanced at her watch and hurried downstairs."
The verb can be intransitive, as in “She glanced toward the window,” or transitive, as in “She glanced the report.”
The plural is used for multiple brief looks or for a brief look exchanged with someone else.
"They exchanged glances across the crowded room."
A glance can reveal an entire exchange without a single word being spoken.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glance come from?
The word entered English during the late Middle English or early modern period, partly through the influence of Old French forms meaning “to look at” or “to glance.” Its deeper roots are Germanic and connect it with words associated with shining, such as glint, glisten, glitter, and gleam. Over time, the sense developed from the idea of a flash or movement of the eye to the modern meanings of a quick look and the act of looking briefly.
Related word forms
How glance is actually used
The word has a neutral register in both formal and informal contexts. As a verb, it often suggests that the look is deliberately brief, inattentive, or made in passing.
Easily confused with glance
A glance is an act of looking briefly, whereas a glimpse is the brief view or sight one obtains, often unexpectedly.