bling

[ bling ]

noun

1. expensive and flashy jewelry, clothing, or other possessions.
2. the flaunting of such possessions or the flashy lifestyle associated with it.

adjective

1. flashy; ostentatious.

verb (used without object)

1. to flaunt one's material wealth; live a flashy lifestyle.

verb (used with object)

1. to dress or adorn in a flashy way:

   Bling up your wardrobe!

Word History and Origins

Origin of bling¹

1995-2000; perhaps imitative of the imaginary sound that light makes when reflecting off a diamond

Example Sentences

The only bling is copper accents for the logo and around external microphone ports, which seriously could pass for USB-C sockets.

From Popular-Science

Upstairs, post-pandemic hotel rooms will have less bling and fanfare, opting for a more minimal and sanitary experience.

From Vox

The G15 is reasonably unassuming as gaming laptops go—it doesn't feel huge or bulky, and there's a thankful minimum of SuPeR 31337 bling.

From Ars Technica

On the contrary, many use Instagram to flaunt their assets, posting pics of bling, drugs, gilded hotel suites, and stacks of cash.

From Washington Blade

Available in a range of colors, it’ll also bring some bling to the front of anyone’s truck.

From Outside Online

U.S. officials have acquired more bling from overseas than Kanye West and Kim Kardashian had on their wedding registry.

From The Daily Beast

I was camera-loading and interning for people like Chris Blauvelt (The Bling Ring) who are now coming up as cinematographers.

From The Daily Beast

Maybe while catching up on Gossip Girl or watching the opening scene of The Bling Ring.

From The Daily Beast

It could be that is exactly what frugal Pope Francis has in mind for the Bishop of Bling.

From The Daily Beast

The so-called Bishop of Bling also spent $3.6 million on a new chapel and  $1.5 million on sleeping quarters for visiting clergy.

From The Daily Beast

The boy pointed, trying to speak, "Bling Mist' Donal back," he gulped.

From Project Gutenberg

Bling-bling the bell began ringing and—listen—the door of the clock opened and the hat ashes shovel fell out.

From Project Gutenberg

We hev vay short convisition beggedder, an' he say bling home glate many go' an' sivver—mek you habby.

From Project Gutenberg

For that I want give you something to bling you much good luck.

From Project Gutenberg

“Me bling message,” and he reached into his blouse and drew out a piece of paper folded and pinned.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bling-bling
• ice
• jewelry
• jewels