Showing results for "sparkling"

• present participle of sparkle.

sparkling

American  

[spahrk-ling] / ˈspɑrk lɪŋ /

adjective

1. shining with flashing points or gleams of reflected light, as the ocean or a faceted gemstone.

2. (of liquids) effervescent; carbonated; fizzy.

   sparkling water.

3. brilliant, lively, or vivacious.

   sparkling conversation.

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Etymology

Origin of sparkling

First recorded in 1350–1400; sparkl(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Explanation

Something that's sparkling shines or glints with many little lights. You might say that the starry night sky is sparkling. You can describe someone's eyes as sparkling, if they twinkle with light, or admire the sparkling lights on your friend's Christmas tree. Another way to use the adjective sparkling is to describe a carbonated beverage, like sparkling wine or sparkling cider. Any fizzy, bubbly drink is sparkling. People have used sparkling to describe wine and eyes since the fifteenth century, and it comes from the Old English spearca, "glowing or fiery particle thrown off."

Example Sentences

Sparkling water is often seen as a helpful tool because it can create a feeling of fullness, which may reduce hunger.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

Sparkling and rebarbative, abrasive and relentlessly performative, it is, in other words, classic Will Self.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Robbie attended a press conference for the movie in Seoul, South Korea, in a hot pink studded Moschino skirt suit, the spitting image of Sparkling Pink Barbie from 1964.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2023

Sparkling and still wine proved popular, with sales rising by 129% and 33% respectively.

From BBC • May 23, 2023

Sparkling sunlight jetted from behind him, leaving his face in the dark.

From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore

Related Words

• animated
• bright
• brilliant
• dazzling
• glistening
• glittering
• lively
• scintillating
• shimmering
• shining
• spirited
• starry