noun / verb

glimpse

GLIMPS/ɡlɪmps/

A brief or partial view of something.

She catches a glimpse of a deer through the narrow hedge opening.

A woman catches a partial view of a deer through a narrow opening in a leafy hedge; only its head and a small part of its shoulder are visible.

Etymology

The early verb meant “glisten” or “be dazzling,” then came to describe glancing with the eyes. The noun likewise moved from a faint or passing appearance to a brief, incomplete view.

In context

Stef Hoffer3:05

One of my favorite spots in Dushanbe is the colorful bazaar, where you can get a glimpse of daily life in the city.

Journey to the Rooftop of the World – Pamir Highway Travel Documentary

More examples

We glimpsed the sea between the buildings.
A brief glimpse revealed the hidden courtyard.
He was glimpsing a life very different from his own.

Forms

glimpse · glimpses · glimpsed · glimpsing

Similar words

peek: Usually an intentional quick look rather than an accidental view.
glance: A glance is a quick act of looking rather than necessarily the view obtained.