What does pixellated mean?
Pixellated describes an image, display, or design that is constructed from individual pixels, the small units of colour into which digital pictures are divided. The word is especially common when enlargement or limited resolution makes those square units plainly visible, as in a coarse, pixellated photograph. It can also be used more generally of digital artwork whose deliberate blocky appearance evokes early computer graphics. In current usage, “pixellated” is particularly associated with British English, while the one-l spelling “pixelated” is standard in American English. Both are pronounced identically and are distinguished principally by spelling convention. Although “pixellated” can imply poor image quality, artists and designers may use the effect deliberately to create a deliberately retro aesthetic.
adjectiveMade up of or displayed as individual pixels, especially in a way that individual blocks of colour are clearly visible.
- Composed of discrete pixels.
- Characterized by conspicuous visible pixels because of low resolution, enlargement, or digital processing.
"The photograph looked striking when the artist rendered it in bold, heavily pixellated colours."
"A pixellated display made the logo difficult to read."
"The old computer game used heavily pixellated graphics."
A pixellated image turns a smooth scene into a mosaic of tiny coloured squares, revealing the digital building blocks of the picture.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pixellated come from?
“Pixellated” was formed from “pixel,” a term coined in the mid-20th century by combining elements of “picture” with “element.” The suffix “-ate” was added to form the related verb “pixellate,” from which the adjective was derived. The older “pixel” ultimately belongs to the Latin “pictura,” meaning a painting or picture, and is related to words such as “picture” and “pictorial.”
Related word forms
How pixellated is actually used
The spelling with two l’s is especially common in British English, although it is understood elsewhere. The term is usually neutral and technical, but it may suggest an intentionally retro digital appearance as well as a loss of image quality.
Easily confused with pixellated
Both words mean the same thing; “pixellated” is the common British spelling, while “pixelated” is the standard spelling in US usage.