glitter
Americanverb (used without object)
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to reflect light with a brilliant, sparkling luster; sparkle with reflected light.
-
to make a brilliant show.
noun
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a sparkling reflected light or luster.
- Synonyms:
- sparkle
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showy splendor.
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small glittering ornaments.
verb
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(of a hard, wet, or polished surface) to reflect light in bright flashes
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(of light) to be reflected in bright flashes
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(usually foll by with) to be decorated or enhanced by the glamour (of)
the show glitters with famous actors
noun
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sparkle or brilliance
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show and glamour
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tiny pieces of shiny decorative material used for ornamentation, as on the skin
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Also called: silver thaw. ice formed from freezing rain
Related Words
See flash.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of glitter
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old Norse glitra; compare Old English glitenian, German gleissen “to shine, glitter”
Explanation
A glitter is a sparkle or flash of light. To glitter is to gleam or shine, as if glistening with moisture. Glitter isn’t just shiny stuff you use in craft projects. When used as a noun, glitter can refer to any kind of gleam, glint, spark, or flash of light, like the flicker of a firefly at night. This word can also be used as a verb. An ornate golden goblet glitters brightly — as does anything coated in a thick layer of glitter.
Vocabulary lists containing glitter
"The Earth Under Sky Bear's Feet"
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Towers Falling
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Jess and Layla's Astronomical Assignment
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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.
It’s New Year’s Eve glitter, minus the frostbite.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026
Behind the pomp and glitter, each school chooses an annual theme, often linked to Afro-Brazilian heritage, social or political commentary, mythology and environmental issues.
From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026
Instead of incessant strobes and Charli clad in a slinky skirt, performing solo with no choreography, Johannes proposes backup dancers, green glitter, high wires and harnesses.
From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026
At her funeral, her younger brother Kenley described her as like glitter, because "she sparkled everywhere she went".
From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026
Among the whistles on colorful coiled plastic key chains, small blue rubber footballs, Frisbees, yo-yos, bubbles, and glow jewelry, I saw green and red and blue glitter pens.
From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
