NYT Dictionary

GLITCH

/ˈɡlɪt͡ʃ/
NounVerbGLITCHglitch · 1 syllableGrade 7

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2023

Meaning

A problem affecting function.

Etymology

Origin: French

Probably borrowed from Yiddish גליטש (glitsh), from German glitschig (“slippy”), from glitschen (“to slide, glide, slip”) + -ig (“-y”). Related to gleiten (“glide”). Cognate with French glisser (“to slip, slide, skid”). Popularized in the 1960s, by the US space program. Attested in 1962 by American astronaut John Glenn, in reference to spikes in electrical current.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

bughitchimperfectionquirkgremlin

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle:

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