tabloid

1 of 2

noun

tab·​loid ˈta-ˌblȯid 

1

: a newspaper that is about half the page size of an ordinary newspaper and that contains news in condensed form and much photographic matter

2

: digest, summary

tabloid

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or resembling tabloids

especially : featuring stories of violence, crime, or scandal presented in a sensational manner

tabloid television

2

: compressed or condensed into small scope

tabloid criticism

tabloidism

ˈta-ˌblȯi-ˌdi-zəm 

noun

Examples of tabloid in a Sentence

Noun

She is used to seeing her name in the tabloids.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The British tabloid Metro reported the canister contained laughing gas. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025

The New York Post has historically been one of Trump's most loyal media supporters, and the right-wing tabloid often reports favorably on him, having previously endorsed his presidential campaigns. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025

Adjective

The actress's fame and hard-partying lifestyle led her to become a tabloid fixture and acting opportunities increasingly waned. —Ashley Hume, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025

Rumors are circulating that Brown could be set to play Britney Spears—who suffered a breakdown in the harsh glare of the tabloid spotlight in the noughties—in a forthcoming biopic. —Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from Tabloid, a trademark

First Known Use

Noun

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

tabloid

noun

tab·​loid

ˈtab-ˌlȯid

: a newspaper about half the page size of an ordinary newspaper containing short often sensational news stories and many photographs