noun

WebP

WEB-pee

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WebP (noun) means an image format designed for web pages, which can store photographs, graphics with transparency and short animations, usually at a smaller file size than JPEG or PNG. Example: “Switching the product photos to WebP knocked a second off the page load.”

noun

An image format designed for web pages, which can store photographs, graphics with transparency and short animations, usually at a smaller file size than JPEG or PNG.

"Switching the product photos to WebP knocked a second off the page load."

"Some older software still can't open a WebP."

An individual image saved in that format.

"The download turned out to be a WebP rather than a JPEG."

How to use WebP

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA newer image file made for websites, usually smaller than an old-style photo file.

When to use it

Mainly used by developers and site owners; general users tend to meet it only when a downloaded image won't open. Written with a capital W and a capital P.

Memory tip

Written WebP, not WEBP or Webp, though the file extension is the lower-case .webp.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

JPEG → PNG → AVIF GIF →

Common pairings

convert to WebP serve images as WebP lossless WebP WebP support

Vocabulary Flow

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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 “WebP” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Switching the product photos to _____ knocked a second off the page load.

Etymology

From web, the format having been designed by Google for images on the web. No official expansion of the P has been published, so any gloss of it is guesswork.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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image format web image format

Related words

JPEG PNG HEIC

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between WebP and JPEG?

Both can compress photographs, but WebP generally reaches a similar visual quality at a smaller file size. WebP also supports transparency and animation, which ordinary JPEG does not. JPEG has far wider support in older software and hardware.

Why won't a WebP file open in some programs?

The format is newer than JPEG and PNG, and support was added gradually. Current browsers, phones and mainstream image editors handle it, but older applications and some printing or publishing tools may not recognise the file and need it converted first.

Is WebP lossy or lossless?

It can be either. WebP defines a lossy mode, which discards fine detail like JPEG, and a lossless mode, which keeps every pixel like PNG. Whoever saves the file chooses which mode is used.

What is the meaning of WebP?

"WebP" (noun) means an image format designed for web pages, which can store photographs, graphics with transparency and short animations, usually at a smaller file size than JPEG or PNG.

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