glitch

[ glich ]

noun

1. a defect or malfunction in a machine or plan.
2. Computers. any error, malfunction, or problem. Compare bug ¹( def 4 ).
3. a brief or sudden interruption or surge in voltage in an electric circuit.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause a glitch in:

   an accident that glitched our plans.

glitch

/ ɡlɪtʃ /

noun

1. a sudden instance of malfunctioning or irregularity in an electronic system
2. a change in the rotation rate of a pulsar

Word History and Origins

Origin of glitch¹

First recorded in 1960–65; perhaps from Yiddish glitsh “slippery area”; compare glitshn, German glitschen “to slip, slide”

Word History and Origins

Origin of glitch¹

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

It was the streaming giant's first foray into live boxing and was free for subscribers, but a number of viewers took to social media to complain about tech glitches.

From BBC

Captain Jamie George has resisted Jones' old diagnosis, that their inability to see out matches is a psychological glitch.

From BBC

The printing glitch, called overspray, also marred as many as half of the mailed ballots collected by Monday in Shasta County.

From Los Angeles Times

The “infinite money glitch”, as it became known on TikTok, allowed the bank's customers to write a large cheque to themselves, deposit it and then withdraw the funds before the cheque bounced.

From BBC

In Pennsylvania, a glitch with electronic touchscreens in state drivers' licence centres wrongly showed non-citizens the option to register to vote while getting new or updated licences.

From BBC

Related Words

• bug
• defect
• flaw
• hitch
• malfunction
• mishap
• problem
• setback
• snafu
• snag