plural GIFs
: a computer file format for the compression and storage of visual digital information
also : an image or video stored in this format
Using emoji, emoticons and GIFs in a texted conversation instantly signals the difference between sincerity and a joke or sarcasm. Jenna Wortham
see also reaction gif

Examples of GIF in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web How to do it: Cut strips of tape to outline your limbs and then practice your moves (see GIF above). Arika Herron, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024 The victim would see the image as just another harmless GIF, completely unaware that their account had been compromised. Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 Aside from including this nice rotating GIF of the phone, iFixit’s blog post contains a zoomable, rotatable interactive scan of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for maximum techno-peeping. Wes Davis, The Verge, 14 Sep. 2024 To help offset the costs of the new fee, Patreon will give creators the option to automatically increase their prices in the iOS app. GIF: Patreon The fee will only apply to memberships purchased on Patreon’s iOS app starting November 4th, 2024. Emma Roth, The Verge, 12 Aug. 2024 Affinity Designer offers a wide range of export options, including PSD, PDF, SVG, EPS, TIFF, PNG and 32-bit HDR PNG, JPG, GIF, EXR (Open EXR), HDR (Radiance), DWFG/DXF, and ACFF. PCMAG, 8 Aug. 2024 Even actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt tagged Shatner in a tweet about it in 2019, and then Shatner himself jumped on the GIF bandwagon. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 24 Apr. 2024 Did one of her gays just send her the GIF for the first time? Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2024 The ability to save your work as an animated GIF is especially welcome. PCMAG, 10 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'GIF.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

graphics interchange format

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of GIF was in 1987

Dictionary Entries Near GIF

Cite this Entry

“GIF.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/GIF. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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