jpeg

IPA/ˈdʒeɪpeɡ/
IPA/ˈdʒeɪpeɡ/

jpeg — noun

  • jpegsingular
  • jpegsplural

1. a technical format for compressing digital photographs and other images so that

1.nounB2
Definition

a technical format for compressing digital photographs and other images so that the files take up less storage space, named after the international group that created the standard

Example

JPEG is the standard Asher used to shrink the holiday photos before emailing them.

Most digital cameras use JPEG compression to keep image files small.

collocation: JPEG compression

Common collocations
  • JPEG compression
  • JPEG format
  • JPEG technology
  • JPEG standard

Grammar Patterns

JPEG + noun (as modifier: JPEG compression, JPEG format)

Usage Note

Often written in uppercase letters as JPEG when referring to the compression standard itself.

Common Mistakes

I used JPEG to make the video file smaller.
I used JPEG compression to make the image file smaller.
JPEG is designed for still images, not video.
JPEG is a software program I installed.
JPEG is a compression standard, not a program.
Many learners mistake it for an application instead of a format.

2. a common computer file format that stores digital photographs and other visual i

2.nounB1
Definition

a common computer file format that stores digital photographs and other visual images with a balance between quality and file size

Example

Walid saved the design as a JPEG file so it could be opened on any computer.

collocation: save [file] as JPEG

Can you convert this logo into JPEG format for the website?

collocation: convert to JPEG format

Common collocations
  • JPEG file
  • JPEG format
  • save as JPEG
  • convert to JPEG
  • in JPEG format
Synonyms
  • JPEG file

    refers specifically to a file saved in this format

  • image format

    broader term that includes JPEG as one type

Grammar Patterns

JPEG + noun (as modifier: JPEG file)

as a JPEG

in JPEG format

Usage Note

The word functions both as a countable noun (a JPEG / two JPEGs) and as an attributive noun (JPEG file, JPEG format).

Common Mistakes

This Word document is saved as a JPEG.
This photo is saved as a JPEG.
JPEG is an image format, not for text documents.
I saved the PDF as a JPEG but the text looks blurry.
I saved the PDF page as a JPEG but the text looks blurry.
JPEG is suitable for photos, not sharp text; use PNG for text-heavy images.

3. a digital photograph or picture that has been saved using the JPEG file format

3.nounB1
Definition

a digital photograph or picture that has been saved using the JPEG file format

Example

Femi uploaded a JPEG of last night's sunset to his social media page.

collocation: upload a JPEG of [something]

Rodrigo printed a large JPEG of the team photo and hung it on the wall.

Common collocations
  • a JPEG of something
  • print a JPEG
  • open a JPEG
  • send a JPEG
  • upload a JPEG
Synonyms
  • digital photo

    more general term for any image taken by a digital camera or phone

  • image file

    broader; includes all picture formats such as PNG, GIF, and TIFF

Grammar Patterns

a JPEG of + noun

JPEG + verb (as subject: a JPEG shows...)

send/upload + a JPEG

Usage Note

In everyday conversation, jpeg is commonly pronounced 'jay-peg' and used to refer to any digital photo regardless of its actual file format.

Common Mistakes

I printed the JPEG and it came out too dark because the file was corrupted.
I printed the JPEG and it came out too dark because the image settings were wrong.
A corrupted file won't open at all; a dark print is usually a brightness issue.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

JPEG, PNG, GIF, and TIFF are all image file formats, but they differ in how they handle compression and image quality. JPEG uses lossy compression, which makes file sizes smaller by discarding some visual detail — ideal for photographs where small size matters more than perfect quality. PNG uses lossless compression, keeping every pixel exactly as it was, so it works better for graphics with text, logos, or sharp edges. GIF limits colors to 256 and supports simple animations, making it suitable for buttons or short animated clips. TIFF stores uncompressed, high-quality data and is mainly used in printing and professional photography. For example, save a landscape photo as a JPEG, but save a screenshot with text as a PNG.

PNGGIFTIFF ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • save as JPEG
  • convert to JPEG
  • open as JPEG
  • export as JPEG

Prepositions

Etymology

English

JPEG is an acronym formed from the name Joint Photographic Experts Group, the international committee that created this image compression standard in 1992. The group's name reflects its mission: a joint effort by photographic and computing experts to develop a shared international standard.