sparkly

American  

[spahr-klee] / ˈspɑr kli /

adjective

sparklier, sparkliest

1. tending to sparkle; animated; lively.

   a row of sparkly cheerleaders.

2. (of a wine) naturally carbonated; effervescent.

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Etymology

Origin of sparkly

First recorded in 1920–25; sparkle + -y ¹

Explanation

The adjective sparkly is useful for describing an object that glints with light, like a disco ball, or a person whose personality is equally bright and bubbly. A little girl's glittery shoes are sparkly, and so is sunlight flashing on the surface of a lake. When people are described as sparkly, it's usually because they are vivacious and enthusiastic, the life of the party. The word sparkly was first used in the 1920s, from sparkle, which in turn comes from spark. The origin isn't known for sure, but it may be rooted in the Old Norse word sparkr, "sprightly."

Example Sentences

Sparkly lights are essential for a festive 2024 holiday, and Southern California has enough dazzling displays to keep everyone merry and bright.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2024

One astrologer I talked to, Alice Sparkly Kat, who comes out of a robust queer people of color astrology community, told me that astrology’s popularity has long tracked with a rise in far-right ideology.

From Slate • Dec. 23, 2019

Sparkly pin-points of light in seven illuminated wall-reliefs that ring the large room create a glittering intergalactic environment — or, perhaps, portholes beneath a mysterious sea.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2017

Twilight" finale in the nominations announcement: "The ultimate installment of the inexplicably successful series focuses on Shirtless Werewolf Jacob and his creepy relationship with the daughter of Sparkly Vampire Edward and Gloomy Goth Gal Bella.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 2013

On the back he wrote, Sparkly vampires rule.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed