English · Word Candidate

GIF

/ɡɪf/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: GIFs · GIFing · GIFed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A bitmap image in a particular format with support for multiple images per file or animations, and up to 256 distinct colors per frame, including a fully transparent color.

Noun

Examples

I'll send you a GIF of the proposed logo.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any short video without audio, usually one which loops.

Noun

Examples

Crying Dawson ruled the internet comment sections of the late ’00s and early ’10s. It’s “on the Mount Rushmore of GIFs,” says TV critic Sarah D. Bunting.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To create a GIF file of; (inexact) to create a similar animated image file of.

Verb

Examples

He GIFed the highlights of the debate

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “GIF” mean?

A bitmap image in a particular format with support for multiple images per file or animations, and up to 256 distinct colors per frame, including a fully transparent color.

Is “GIF” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.