thumbnail

1 of 2

noun

thumb·​nail ˈthəm-ˌnāl How to pronounce thumbnail (audio)
-ˈnāl
1
: the nail of the thumb
2
: a miniature computer graphic sometimes hyperlinked to a full-size version

thumbnail

2 of 2

adjective

: concise, brief
a thumbnail sketch

Examples of thumbnail in a Sentence

Noun You can see a larger version of the picture by clicking on the thumbnail. Adjective a thumbnail outline of the plot of the novel
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Quick Photo Imports The photo import dialog groups zoomable thumbnails of images on the card by date. PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 By analyzing microfossils — fossils about the size of a thumbnail — within the limestone, researchers found that the tiny ancient organisms preserved in the stone were from Europe, according to a study published September 4 in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Click on the thumbnail image to see what that looks like. Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2018 Between the two fences that separate Reggie’s enclosure from the public is a sign with the thumbnail version of his remarkable journey to the Los Angeles Zoo 15 years ago today. Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2022 See all Example Sentences for thumbnail 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thumbnail was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near thumbnail

Cite this Entry

“Thumbnail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumbnail. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

thumbnail

1 of 2 noun
thumb·​nail ˈthəm-ˌnāl How to pronounce thumbnail (audio)
-ˈnā(ə)l
1
: the nail of the thumb
2
: a miniature computer graphic sometimes connected by a hyperlink to a larger version

thumbnail

2 of 2 adjective
thumb·​nail
ˌthəm-ˌnāl
: brief entry 1
wrote a thumbnail sketch of the poet

More from Merriam-Webster on thumbnail

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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