# glean

/ˈɡɫin/ (US) · /ɡlˈiːn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/glean
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

to get small pieces of information or to collect small amounts of something. It is often used when you are trying to find out a secret or a hidden truth.

For teachers: to gather or obtain information, especially in small amounts or from a difficult source. Often used in the context of intelligence gathering or extracting meaning from a text.

## Examples

- The detective tried to glean some clues from the witness's story.
- After hours of reading the dense report, she managed to glean a few key facts about the company's financial health.
- While the official transcript was vague, the journalist managed to glean several important details about the diplomatic negotiations by cross-referencing public statements with private interviews.

---

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.