noun

favicon

FAV-ih-kon

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Favicon (noun) means the very small image a website supplies to represent itself, shown in the browser tab, next to the address, and beside the site in a list of bookmarks. Example: “I recognise the tab by its favicon before I read the title.”

noun

technical The very small image a website supplies to represent itself, shown in the browser tab, next to the address, and beside the site in a list of bookmarks.

"I recognise the tab by its favicon before I read the title."

"The site is live but the favicon is still the default grey globe."

How to use favicon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe tiny picture that appears on a website's browser tab.

When to use it

Standard among web developers and designers; a general audience is more likely to understand tab icon.

Memory tip

Because it is displayed at a very small size, a favicon is usually a simplified mark rather than a shrunken full logo.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

logo → app icon touch icon

Common pairings

upload a favicon favicon file default favicon missing favicon

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “favicon” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

I recognise the tab by its _____ before I read the title.

Etymology

A blend of favourites (in the US spelling favorites) and icon, from the small image originally shown beside a saved bookmark.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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site icon tab icon shortcut icon bookmark icon

Rhymes for favicon

icon silicon lexicon Rubicon

See all rhymes for favicon →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a favicon and a logo?

A logo is a brand's full mark, designed to be legible at large sizes. A favicon is a tiny image, often just an initial or a single symbol taken from the logo, because fine detail disappears at a few pixels across.

Why does my favicon not update?

Browsers store favicons for a long time, so an old one often keeps appearing after the file has been replaced. It usually resolves once the stored copy is cleared or expires.

What size should a favicon be?

Sites commonly supply several sizes in one file or as separate images, because browsers, phone home screens and bookmark lists each display it differently. There is no single required size.

What is the meaning of favicon?

"favicon" (noun) means the very small image a website supplies to represent itself, shown in the browser tab, next to the address, and beside the site in a list of bookmarks.