gleam
a flash or beam of light: the gleam of a lantern in the dark.
a dim or subdued light.
a brief or slight manifestation or occurrence; trace: a gleam of hope.
to send forth a gleam or gleams.
to appear suddenly and clearly like a flash of light.
Origin of gleam
1synonym study For gleam
Other words for gleam
Other words from gleam
- gleam·less, adjective
- out·gleam, verb (used with object)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use gleam in a sentence
How his face gleamed in the darkness, drawing swiftly nearer!
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the Show | Robert W. Chambers | February 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThey were identical save for the bronze nameplates that gleamed darkly in the hushed dimness.
A Mother’s Brave Eulogy For Her Three Girls Killed in Connecticut Fire | Michael Daly | January 6, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTHer eyes gleamed bright and intense, with no sleepy shadows, as they looked into his.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories | Kate ChopinWhen the first sunbeam gleamed through the window of Bat's tiny kitchen, I arose, pulled on my boots and went to feed my horse.
Raw Gold | Bertrand W. SinclairLight gleamed on the staircase, and breathless voices were wafted up to the two men.
St. Martin's Summer | Rafael Sabatini
He looked back before he plunged out into the darkness, and his teeth gleamed in a smile.
The gray desert sparkled and gleamed in front of the roadster, but behind it was blotted out by the dust of that mad flight.
Motor Matt's "Century" Run | Stanley R. Matthews
British Dictionary definitions for gleam
/ (ɡliːm) /
a small beam or glow of light, esp reflected light
a brief or dim indication: a gleam of hope
to send forth or reflect a beam of light
to appear, esp briefly: intelligence gleamed in his eyes
Origin of gleam
1Derived forms of gleam
- gleaming, adjective
- gleamy, adjective
- gleamingly, adverb
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
Browse