glitz
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
noun
Etymology
Origin of glitz
First recorded in 1975–80; back formation from glitzy
Explanation
Glitz is a cheap or gaudy flashiness. A sparkly, sequined dress that's really shiny but not very well made has glitz, but it may not be the most tasteful outfit for your grandparents' anniversary party. The decorating committee for a high school prom might be aiming for sophistication and end up with glitz, with spangles and glitter that's all a bit too much. If someone talks about the "glitz and glamour" of a party, the guests' clothes were probably pretty flashy. In Yiddish, glitz means "glitter," from the German root glitzern, "sparkle" or "glittering." In English, glitzy came first, probably influenced by the word ritzy.
Vocabulary lists containing glitz
Portmanteaus: Vocab Mash-Ups
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English Words Derived from Yiddish
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Mardi Gras: Fun
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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.
"The city stores have retained their upper end airs and graces, but the suburban stores leave a lot to be desired – they're mundane, they lack excitement and there's definitely no glitz," she said.
From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2026
Forget the celebrity glitz of high-profile film festivals.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
News that she has no regrets about walking away from the glitz and glamour, saying the decision was what was best for both her family and her mental health.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026
In fact the former reality TV star will be front and center throughout the gore and glitz, as he always is.
From Barron's ● Jun. 14, 2026
Opera composers from all over Europe were drawn to its glitz and glamour, and the prospect of getting rich from musical tragedy.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
