A GIF (graphics interchange format) graphic file on a web page which consists of two or more images shown in timed sequence which gives the appearance of movement. An animated GIF can loop endlessly or it can complete a sequence and stop.

use it in real life: You have probably been annoyed by an animated GIF while surfing the web, for example, a twirling icon or a banner with a hand that waves or photos that "move" like a mini movie