# yellow journalism

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/yellow-journalism
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Journalism which is sensationalistic and of questionable accuracy and taste.

## Examples

- That newspaper uses yellow journalism to sell more copies.
- The editor criticized the tabloid for relying on yellow journalism instead of checking the facts before publishing the story.
- By prioritizing scandalous headlines over verified reporting, the publication descended into a form of yellow journalism that damaged its reputation among serious readers.

## Origin

From the comic The Yellow Kid, published in tabloid newspapers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
