pixel
5 synonyms for pixel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — One of the tiny individual dots that together make up a digital image or screen display.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use pixel
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pixel density
dead pixel
per pixel
pixel art
Etymology
A blend of "pic(ture)" and "element" — first used in the 1960s.
Full origin of pixel →Frequently asked questions
What does “pixel” mean?
The word “pixel” means one of the tiny individual dots that together make up a digital image or screen display. In plain terms, the smallest single dot of color that makes up a digital picture or screen.
How do you pronounce “pixel”?
“Pixel” is pronounced PIHK-suhl (/ˈpɪk.səl/ in IPA).
How do you use “pixel” in a sentence?
Here is “pixel” used in a sentence: “Zoom in far enough on any photo and you'll see the individual pixels.”
What is another word for “pixel”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pixel” include pel, pictel and px.
What part of speech is “pixel”?
“Pixel” is a noun.
Where does the word “pixel” come from?
The word “pixel” dates back to around 1960. A blend of "pic(ture)" and "element" — first used in the 1960s.
Is “pixel” a common word?
“Pixel” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a pixel and a resolution?
A pixel is a single tiny dot of color or light that makes up part of a digital image or screen. Resolution describes the total number of pixels displayed, usually given as width by height, such as 1920 by 1080.
Why do images look blurry when they have low pixel counts?
When an image has fewer pixels relative to its display size, each pixel must be stretched larger to fill the space, making individual dots visible and edges look blocky or blurry. Higher pixel counts allow finer detail because more dots are available to represent the image.
What is a megapixel?
A megapixel is a unit equal to one million pixels, commonly used to describe the resolution of digital cameras and image sensors. A camera described as "12 megapixels" captures images made up of roughly twelve million individual pixels.
