glimpse

glimpse · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A brief or fleeting view or look at something.

  2. 2.

    To see or perceive briefly or partially.

  3. 3.

    A brief, incomplete experience or understanding of something.

Forms

plural: glimpses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    catch a glimpse — to see briefly
  • •
    a glimpse into — a brief insight or view of something

Related words

See also: glance, glimmer, peek
Synonyms: glance, look, peek

Etymology

From Middle English glimsen ("to shine faintly"), related to "glimmer." The visual sense developed from the idea of something appearing briefly like a flash of light.