What does glimpse mean?
A glimpse is a brief or partial view of something, often one that appears and disappears almost immediately. The word can name the view itself, as in “a glimpse of the sea,” or describe the act of seeing something briefly, as in “she glimpsed the bird.” It may also suggest a limited awareness, such as gaining a glimpse of another person's thoughts or a glimpse into a distant period. Although glimpse can sometimes be replaced by words such as see, look, or spot, it carries the distinctive implication that perception is fleeting, partial, or indistinct. The phrase “catch a glimpse of” is especially common, while variations such as “a fleeting glimpse” emphasize the short duration of the experience. Historically, the word was associated with seeing dimly or looking faintly, which explains its connection with the semantic field of light and vision.
A brief, fleeting, or partial view of something; sometimes, a slight indication or understanding of it.
"The open window provided a glimpse of the stormy garden."
A countable noun that is usually followed by “of” or “into.” It commonly denotes an incomplete or momentary view.
To catch sight of something briefly or indistinctly.
"I glimpsed the cyclist just before he turned the corner."
Usually transitive and followed by the object that is glimpsed.
The plural is used for separate brief views or occasions of seeing something.
"She caught glimpses of the procession through gaps in the crowd."
From seeing dimly to seeing fleetingly, glimpse has always belonged to the edge of vision.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glimpse come from?
Glimpse entered Middle English in the early fourteenth century as a verb meaning “look faintly” or “see dimly.” It is generally traced to Old English glimsen and is associated with a family of English words connected with faint light or shining, including gleam, glimmer, and glisten. The noun meaning “a brief or partial view” is recorded in the sixteenth century.
Related word forms
How glimpse is actually used
The word is fully standard in formal and informal English, although it often has a slightly literary or evocative quality. The noun is normally used with “of” or “into,” while the verb is normally transitive.
Easily confused with glimpse
A glimpse is a momentary view of something, whereas a glimmer is a faint, unsteady light or a faint suggestion.