First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1glance
verb \ˈglan(t)s\
: to look at someone or something very quickly
: to hit something and bounce off at an angle
glancedglanc·ing
Full Definition of GLANCE
intransitive verb
1
: to strike a surface obliquely so as to go off at an angle <the bullet glanced off the wall>
2
a : to make sudden quick movements <dragonflies glancing over the pond> b : to flash or gleam with quick intermittent rays of light <brooks glancing in the sun>
3
: to touch on a subject or refer to it briefly or indirectly <the work glances at the customs of ancient cultures>
4
a of the eyes : to move swiftly from one thing to another b : to take a quick look at something <glanced at his watch>
transitive verb
1
archaic a : to take a quick look at b : to catch a glimpse of
2
: to give an oblique path of direction to: a : to throw or shoot so that the object glances from a surface b archaic : to aim (as an innuendo) indirectly : insinuate
— glanc·er noun
See glance defined for English-language learners
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Origin of GLANCE
Middle English glencen, glenchen
2glance
noun
: a quick look
Full Definition of GLANCE
1
a : a quick intermittent flash or gleam b archaic : a sudden quick movement
2
a archaic : a rapid oblique movement b : a deflected impact or blow
3
a : a swift movement of the eyes b : a quick or cursory look
4
— at first glance
: on first consideration <at first glance the subject seems harmless enough>
See glance defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GLANCE
1503
GLANCES Defined for Kids
1glance
verb \ˈglans\
glancedglanc·ing
Definition of GLANCE for Kids
1
: to strike at an angle and fly off to one side <The ball glanced off a tree.>
2
: to give a quick look <She glanced at her watch.>
2glance
noun
Definition of GLANCE for Kids
: a quick look
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