noun
Uncommon
glitch
GLIHCH
Glitch (noun) means a small, usually temporary problem or fault, especially in a machine, computer, or software. Example: “A software glitch caused the app to crash twice.”
noun
1
A small, usually temporary problem or fault, especially in a machine, computer, or software.
"A software glitch caused the app to crash twice."
"There was a glitch in the payment system this morning."
verb
1
To malfunction briefly and unexpectedly.
"The screen glitched right before the presentation started."
How to use glitch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA minor, usually short-lived malfunction, especially in electronics or software.
Common pairings
software glitch
technical glitch
glitch in the system
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like glitch.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- glitches
- Third person singular
- glitches
- Past tense
- glitched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A software _____ caused the app to crash twice.
Etymology
Probably from Yiddish, ultimately from a German word for "slippery." It was popularized in the 1960s by the US space program, notably by astronaut John Glenn describing electrical spikes.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for glitch
See all rhymes for glitch →Frequently asked questions
What does “glitch” mean?
The word “glitch” means a small, usually temporary problem or fault, especially in a machine, computer, or software. In plain terms, a minor, usually short-lived malfunction, especially in electronics or software.
How do you pronounce “glitch”?
“Glitch” is pronounced GLIHCH (/ˈɡlɪt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “glitch” in a sentence?
Here is “glitch” used in a sentence: “A software glitch caused the app to crash twice.”
What part of speech is “glitch”?
Depending on how it is used, “glitch” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “glitch” come from?
The word “glitch” dates back to around 1960 and comes from German. Probably from Yiddish, ultimately from a German word for "slippery." It was popularized in the 1960s by the US space program, notably by astronaut John Glenn describing electrical spikes.
Is “glitch” a common word?
“Glitch” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “glitch” have?
“Glitch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, usually temporary problem or fault, especially in a machine, computer, or software.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include glitch:
