phrase
TL;DR
TL;DR (phrase) means Too long; didn't read: used to label a short summary of a long piece, or to say something was too long to bother with. Example: “TL;DR: the policy changes in April.”
phrase
1
informal Too long; didn't read: used to label a short summary of a long piece, or to say something was too long to bother with.
"TL;DR: the policy changes in April."
How to use TL;DR
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA one-line summary of something long.
When to use it
Informal, written. Often the heading of the summary itself.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like TL;DR.
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
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____: the policy changes in April.
Etymology
An initialism of "too long; didn't read," from internet forums, where it began as a complaint and became a label for the summary itself.
Rhymes for TL;DR
See all rhymes for TL;DR →Frequently asked questions
What does TL;DR mean?
Too long; didn't read. It now most often introduces a one-line summary of a long post, so readers can get the gist immediately.
Is TL;DR rude?
It depends which way it is used. Writing your own TL;DR is helpful. Replying "tl;dr" to someone else's post is dismissive.
How is TL;DR written?
Usually TL;DR with a semicolon, though tldr, TLDR and tl;dr are all common.
What is the meaning of TL;DR?
"TL;DR" (phrase) means too long; didn't read: used to label a short summary of a long piece, or to say something was too long to bother with.
