glimpse Hear it!

glimpse definition

glimpse (glimps)

transitive verb glimpsed, glimpsing glimps′·ing

to catch a brief, quick view of, as in passing; perceive momentarily and incompletely

Etymology: ME glimsen (with unhistoric -p-) < base of OE glæm (see gleam), akin to MHG glimsen, MDu glinsen

intransitive verb

to look quickly; glance (at)

noun

  1. Archaic a brief, sudden shining; flash
  2. a faint, fleeting appearance; slight trace
  3. a brief, quick view

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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