glitzy
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of glitzy
First recorded in 1965–70; probably from Yiddish glitz “glitter,” from German glitzern “to glitter” + -y 1 ( def. )
Explanation
Something that's glitzy is very flashy and flamboyant, like the glitzy outfit you wear to the prom: a hot pink suit covered in shiny purple sequins. Glitzy is from glitz, or "glitter" in Yiddish, and the German root glitzern, "sparkle," and it's perfect for describing glittery, sparkly things. You might imagine Oscar parties as glitzy events (and show business itself as a glitzy industry). But there's also an undercurrent of gaudiness implied in the word — an inappropriate amount of glitter and shine: "Can you believe that glitzy outfit he wore to the funeral?"
Vocabulary lists containing glitzy
Elf Dog and Owl Head
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Off the Record
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Saints of the Household
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
Renting a glitzy Manhattan apartment for half the market rate while raking in a six-figure salary is urban legend for most New Yorkers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
Bulgaria won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna in May with Dara's catchy floor-filler "Bangaranga" sweeping the 70th edition of the glitzy TV extravaganza, meaning they will get to host next year's edition.
From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026
It shares the operatic maximalism of Faena’s hotels in Buenos Aires and Miami, and has drawn glitzy guests who pay at least $1,395 for a room.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 9, 2026
Ideas to help you plan out the warm days ahead, from an alpaca encounter in Carpinteria to a glitzy sleepover in Coronado.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 2026
There was nothing about his oldest friend—First Guitar; or his glitzy Show Guitar that had been custom-made for his style of playing; or his funky, hard-crying guitar, Wah-Wah Nita, the guitar he played the most.
From "Clayton Byrd Goes Underground" by Rita Williams-Garcia
High-end restaurants are opening, and they’re getting glitzier.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2025
American Family Field, home of the Brewers, opened in 2001 during the peak of the last round of nationwide stadium construction, as cities replaced multipurpose facilities with glitzier sport-specific structures.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 22, 2023
Recently, a lack of new models has made it tougher for Tesla to take on rivals in China, where glitzier offerings from local players have weighed on demand.
From Reuters ● Jul. 19, 2023
Since Abramovich’s purchase, Chelsea, the current European men’s soccer champion, has transitioned from being a relative also-ran to one of Britain’s glitzier and more successful sports teams.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 23, 2021
Even as the Jazz have gone about their business of building the best record in the N.B.A. this season, they have struggled to escape the long shadows cast by glitzier rivals.
From New York Times ● Apr. 5, 2021
Documentary filmmakers are, generally speaking, not the glitziest figures in show business.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 10, 2026
The glitziest exhibits belonged to the slot-machine manufacturers.
From Slate ● Nov. 18, 2025
And whether you watched the show live or are just catching up, there was much to learn from Hollywood’s glitziest night.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 3, 2025
Burberry is traditionally the glitziest event at London Fashion Week, which also features catwalk shows by designers including Erdem, JW Anderson, Roksanda Ilincic and Molly Goddard.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 19, 2024
Gia ran her fingertips over the pocket watches on the counter of Fournier's Curious Clockwork Shop in the glitziest area of Betelmore's high street.
From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton
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.
