glitter

[glit-er]

verb (used without object)

1. to reflect light with a brilliant, sparkling luster; sparkle with reflected light.

2. to make a brilliant show.

noun

1. a sparkling reflected light or luster.

   Synonyms: sparkle

2. showy splendor.

3. small glittering ornaments.

glitter

/ ˈɡlɪtə /

verb

1. (of a hard, wet, or polished surface) to reflect light in bright flashes

2. (of light) to be reflected in bright flashes

3. (usually foll by with) to be decorated or enhanced by the glamour (of)

   the show glitters with famous actors

noun

1. sparkle or brilliance

2. show and glamour

3. tiny pieces of shiny decorative material used for ornamentation, as on the skin

4. Also called: silver thaw. ice formed from freezing rain

Other Word Forms

• glittery adjective
• glitteringly adverb
• outglitter verb (used with object)
• unglittering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of glitter¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old Norse glitra; compare Old English glitenian, German gleissen “to shine, glitter”

Word History and Origins

Origin of glitter¹

C14: from Old Norse glitra; related to Old High German glīzan to shine

Idioms and Phrases

see all that glitters is not gold.

Synonym Study

See flash.

Example Sentences

And the wedding itself was a glittering affair, with Noel Coward and Douglas Fairbanks Jr adding Hollywood sparkle and Queen Elizabeth II leading a procession of the royal families of Europe.

From BBC

What should have been shaping up as potentially the most glittering period of his career is suddenly over-loaded with obstacles at both England and Real Madrid.

From BBC

From the glittering peaks and dense forests of Mt.

From Los Angeles Times

Here she sang it while standing in a glittering mermaid gown that seemed to make it impossible for her to move — some kind of metaphor for the gilded cage of a celebrity romance.

From Los Angeles Times

Security cameras showed him walk out onto the balcony that overlooked the sleeping, glittering city, holding a phone to his ear.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gleam 
• glimmer 
• glint 
• glisten 
• glow 
• scintillate 
• shimmer 
• shine 
• twinkle