gleam

[ gleem ]

noun

1. a flash or beam of light:

   the gleam of a lantern in the dark.

2. a dim or subdued light.
3. a brief or slight manifestation or occurrence; trace:

   a gleam of hope.

verb (used without object)

1. to send forth a gleam or gleams.

   Synonyms: beam, sparkle, glitter, glint, flash, glimmer, shine, scintilla, suggestion, hint

2. to appear suddenly and clearly like a flash of light.

gleam

/ ɡliːm /

noun

1. a small beam or glow of light, esp reflected light
2. a brief or dim indication

   a gleam of hope

verb

1. to send forth or reflect a beam of light
2. to appear, esp briefly

   intelligence gleamed in his eyes

Derived Forms

• ˈgleamy, adjective
• ˈgleaming, adjective
• ˈgleamingly, adverb

Other Words From

• gleam·less adjective
• out·gleam verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of gleam¹

First recorded before 1000; (noun) Middle English glem(e), Old English glǣm; cognate with Old High German gleimo “glowworm”; akin to Old Saxon glīmo “brightness”; (verb) Middle English, derivative of the noun. See glimmer, glimpse

Word History and Origins

Origin of gleam¹

Old English glǣm; related to Old Norse gljā to flicker, Old High German gleimo glow-worm, glīmo brightness, Old Irish glē bright

Synonym Study

Gleam, glimmer, beam, ray are terms for a stream of light. Gleam denotes a not very brilliant, intermittent or nondirectional stream of light. Glimmer indicates a nondirectional light that is feeble and unsteady: a faint glimmer of moonlight. Beam usually means a directional, and therefore smaller, stream: the beam from a searchlight. Ray usually implies a still smaller amount of light than a beam, a single line of light: a ray through a pinprick in a window shade.

Example Sentences

For a test of dry-land mirrors, Franklin and her colleagues turned to a showy group of about 40 species of scarab beetles, some with a natural gleam.

From Science News

Baugh had brought nothing but his remarkable good will, and it was in full gleam for all to see when the president entered.

From The Daily Beast

Polish them until they gleam with malice, wicked glee, and non-registry gifts.

From The Daily Beast

A brown tacky gleam of years of paint accumulation covers the three-story apartment.

From The Daily Beast

He asked me what I put on my nail polish to give all the colors a warm gleam.

From The Daily Beast

Evans, 31, whose eyes gleam behind a mess of blonde hair, was a formerly committed Christian whose faith had lapsed.

From The Daily Beast

It was the darkest hour of twilight, when there was just enough of gleam from the lurid sky, to shew the outline of objects.

From Project Gutenberg

He was sure that I was really there, and the gleam of white teeth showed a broadening dog-smile.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Levi enters almost beside him; how white his big eyeballs gleam, as he steps in under the same cold light!

From Project Gutenberg

She smiled back at him, a pale, timid smile, like a gleam of sunshine from a wintry sky.

From Project Gutenberg

Indirect lighting gave a pretty gleam to the metal gadgets on the tables.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• glimmer
• glint
• glisten
• glitter
• glow
• radiate
• shimmer
• shine
• twinkle

More About Gleam

What does gleam mean?

A gleam is a flash or flicker of light, as in As Val scrolled through their phone in the dark, the screen projected a gleam of light on their face.

A gleam is also a dim light, such as you might get from a flashlight with a dying battery.

To gleam means to send out a gleam, as in The candle gleamed in the darkness.

To gleam also means to appear quickly and clearly, as a flash of light would.

Example: I love the way this dress gleams in the sun.

Where does gleam come from?

The first records of the term gleam come from before the year 1000. It ultimately comes from the Old English glǣm.

You might also see gleam used to mean “a brief or small inkling of something happening.” You might have a gleam of hope about something that’s not very likely but not impossible. You might also say you have a gleam of happiness when you’re sad overall.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to gleam?

• gleamingly (adverb)
• gleamless (adjective)
• gleamy (adjective)
• outgleam (verb)
• gleaming (adjective, verb)

What are some synonyms for gleam?

• flicker
• glimmer
• sparkle
• glow
• twinkle

What are some words that share a root or word element with gleam?

• glimmer
• gleamy
• glimpse

What are some words that often get used in discussing gleam?

• hope
• flash
• light
• ray

How is gleam used in real life?

Gleam is a common word often used to describe a dull stream of light.

The Gleam of Glamour can make you Go insane. Don't lose your inherent Goodness for it. #BabaAM

— ARMAAN MALIK (@ArmaanMalik22) August 8, 2017

Under a moon that hangs from silver strings
We know not what this darkness brings
The stars all gleam with possibilities

— Oh Wonder (@OhWonderMusic) May 23, 2017

When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween. 🎃

— K-Ray (@wtmkevin) October 29, 2016

Try using gleam!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for gleam?

A. glimmer
B. darken
C. twinkle
D. glint