Thumbnail: meaning, definitions and examples
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thumbnail
[ ˈθʌmneɪl ]
media representation
A thumbnail is a small image or representation of a larger file or content, commonly used in digital media. It is typically a reduced-size version of an icon or visual that allows users to quickly grasp the essence of the content. Thumbnails streamline the viewing process, as they help users navigate and select from multiple items. They are widely used on websites, in photo galleries, and in video platforms to attract attention and provide a preview of the material.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I clicked on the thumbnail to watch the video.
- The thumbnail for the article was eye-catching.
- She uploaded a new thumbnail for her YouTube channel.
- You need to create a thumbnail for your presentation.
Translations
Translations of the word "thumbnail" in other languages:
🇵🇹 miniatura
🇮🇳 थंबनेल
🇩🇪 Miniaturansicht
🇮🇩 thumbnail
🇺🇦 еталонне зображення
🇵🇱 miniatura
🇯🇵 サムネイル
🇫🇷 vignette
🇪🇸 miniatura
🇹🇷 küçük resim
🇰🇷 썸네일
🇸🇦 صورة مصغرة
🇨🇿 náhled
🇸🇰 miniatura
🇨🇳 缩略图
🇸🇮 miniatura
🇮🇸 forsíða
🇰🇿 кішірейтілген сурет
🇬🇪 მინიატურა
🇦🇿 kiçik şəkil
🇲🇽 miniatura
Etymology
The term 'thumbnail' originated from the practice of having a small image, typically one that resembled the size of a human thumb, used to represent larger works of art, photographs, or videos. This usage dates back to the early days of photography and imaging, where binding together large prints was impractical, necessitating smaller samples for ease of identification. The metaphorical use of the term was popularized in the digital era, where the burgeoning internet and graphic design industry incorporated thumbnails into web development, enabling more efficient navigation. Digital thumbnails became a vital part of GUI design, allowing users to see previews of images and videos before opening them. Over time, the concept has evolved with technology, but the core idea of a compact representation remains an essential component in many digital platforms today.