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Synonyms

glitter

American  
[glit-er] / ˈglɪt ər /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
glitter Idioms  

Related Words

See flash.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of glitter

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Accessories—anything from shoelace charms to glitter freckles to decor for your decor—give consumers ways to update their look and express themselves at a fraction of the cost.

From The Wall Street Journal

The wedding day was raucous and covered in glitter.

From Los Angeles Times

Yaya Toure had a glittering playing career at clubs of the stature of Barcelona and Manchester City, and on the international stage for Ivory Coast.

From BBC

Under the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower, during a romantic walk on a tropical beach, or nestled in a quiet corner of your favourite restaurant?

From Barron's

At one point the president, sitting at the Resolute Desk with a glittering Christmas tree at its side, asked an aide to show him the latest market data.

From The Wall Street Journal