tabloid

[ tab-loid ]

noun

1. a newspaper whose pages, usually five columns wide, are about one-half the size of a standard-sized newspaper page.
2. a newspaper this size concentrating on sensational and lurid news, usually heavily illustrated.
3. a short form or version; condensation; synopsis; summary.

adjective

1. compressed or condensed in or as if in a tabloid:

   a tabloid article; a tabloid account of the adventure.

2. luridly or vulgarly sensational.

tabloid

/ ˈtæblɔɪd /

noun

1. a newspaper with pages about 30 cm (12 inches) by 40 cm (16 inches), usually characterized by an emphasis on photographs and a concise and often sensational style Compare broadsheet
2. modifier designed to appeal to a mass audience or readership; sensationalist

   the tabloid press

   tabloid television

Other Word Forms

• tabloid·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tabloid¹

First recorded in 1905–10; tabl(et) + -oid

Word History and Origins

Origin of tabloid¹

C20: from earlier Tabloid, a trademark for a medicine in tablet form

Example Sentences

But it’s also who Trump has been since his earliest interviews with the New York City tabloids and TV hosts all those decades ago.

From Los Angeles Times

“People attach the label tabloid to ‘Inside Edition’ and the others.

From Los Angeles Times

Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, came to New York to escape from London and the constant attention of the aggressive British tabloids.

From Salon

In questioning, Hancock said he acted with "impeccable behaviour" at the time, and accused the inquiry's chief counsel Richard Wald KC of cherry-picking a "couple of messages" that have the "most tabloid interest".

From BBC

Church's relationship with centre Gavin Henson had been fodder for the tabloids, though he would later criticise the WRU for also cashing in.

From BBC

Related Words

• paper