GIF

American  

[jif, gif] / dʒɪf, gɪf /

Or gif

noun

1. a set of standards and file format for storage of digital color images and short animations.

2. a file or image stored in this format.

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verb (used with object)

GIFFed, giffed, GIFFing, giffing

1. to create a static or animated GIF from (an image or set of images).

   She GIFFed her favorite actor having a good laugh and posted it on her blog.

GIF British  

/ ɡɪf /

noun

1. 1. a standard compressed file format used for pictures

   2. a picture held in this format

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Pronunciation

It is understandable that computer users who encounter this acronym for the first time might well assume that since the “G” stands for “graphic,” gif should similarly be pronounced with an initial hard g, as in go and give. However, the inventor of the format, Steve Wilhite, has insisted from its introduction at a computer conference in the late 1980s that the pronunciation is , with an initial soft g, as in gelatin and giant. That pronunciation is even part of the official specifications for the format and is the one used by many computer gurus, but both pronunciations are commonly in use.

Etymology

Origin of GIF

First recorded in 1985–90; g(raphic) i(nterchange) f(ormat)

Example Sentences

So every now and then he’d send a funny GIF to lighten the mood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

When the country next reaches out for a line of credit, expect foreign banks to text us back the blinking-eyes GIF.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2025

Some might recognize her from a much-circulated GIF featuring Kelli, at her most knowing.

From Salon • Sep. 13, 2024

Before that, Orange County sent two players from its 2021 national championship team to Europe, selling defender Kobi Henry to French club Reims and forward Ronaldo Dumas to GIF Sundsvall, a second-tier team in Sweden.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2024

I put it out into the universe—with a GIF of Puss in Boots begging with his huge glassy eyes.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera