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.

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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

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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

glitter Idioms  

1. see all that glitters is not gold.

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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

Dahl’s wit may be mostly used for emotional vivisection, but it still glitters.

From The Wall Street Journal

They glittered in gold platform heels, black and tan powersuits, and fur-lined wool dresses for the winter chill lingering in Washington.

From Salon

Father . . . the letter glittered in the criss-cross light as I read the rest.

From Literature

That’s when you see his glittering horns and his bloodshot red eye.

From Literature

The playmaker has enjoyed a glittering international career, the highlight being the starring role he played as Wales reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals, earning himself a place in Uefa's team of the tournament.

From BBC

Related Words

• gleam
• glimmer
• glint
• glisten
• glow
• scintillate
• shimmer
• shine
• twinkle