To turn the pages of a book, magazine, or document quickly and casually without reading in detail.
To quickly flip through a book or magazine using your thumb, just looking at bits and pieces.
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
To turn the pages of a book or magazine quickly and casually, without reading it thoroughly.
"She thumbed through the recipe book looking for something quick to make for dinner."
'He thumbed through the pages of the report without really reading it.'
— Common journalistic construction; representative of standard usage in The Economist and The Times
To physically move through pages by using the thumb to flick them — largely transparent.
To quickly flip through a book or magazine using your thumb, just looking at bits and pieces.
A very natural, everyday expression. The focus is on the physical act rather than careful reading. Often implies looking for something specific, or simply passing time. Works for printed materials; less commonly applied to digital content.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "thumb through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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