1. Online content (such as a headline, link, or image) designed to attract clicks by appealing to curiosity or emotion rather than providing substantive information.
Usage: informal; often pejorative

1. Designed or written to attract clicks through sensational or misleading appeals rather than genuine value.
Usage: informal; often pejorative

Examples

• The article's headline was pure clickbait—it promised shocking news but delivered nothing surprising.
• Social media platforms are filled with clickbait posts designed to maximize engagement.
• That clickbait thumbnail with the exaggerated expression made me skeptical of the video's actual content.
• News outlets sometimes resort to clickbait headlines to compete for readers' attention.
• She avoided clicking on the obviously clickbait link about celebrity gossip.
• The website's clickbait strategy generated millions of views but damaged its credibility.
• Many online publishers struggle to balance engaging content with avoiding clickbait tactics.