A gray placeholder version of a page shown while the real content loads, hinting at where text and images will appear so the wait feels shorter.
Synonyms
- skeleton loader
- content placeholder
Related terms
- spinner
- progress bar
- shimmer
- loader
In plain words
- the gray boxes that show up before the real content loads
- the placeholder layout while it loads
Usage example
The feed showed skeleton screens of gray blocks until the posts arrived.
Don't confuse with…
- spinnerA skeleton screen previews the page's layout as it loads; a spinner is a single generic loading symbol.
Categories
- Feedback & status