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
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Off the Record
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Saints of the Household
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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.
See Examples For:
Now in its 15th year, the glitzy annual event co-hosted by Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio is set to take place Nov. 7.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026
Developers also hope to transform the uninhabited island of Sazan -- once a secret communist military base -- into a glitzy tourist destination.
From Barron's ● Jul. 4, 2026
Perhaps most important, the essays insist that leadership isn’t confined to the glitzy triumphs of the Oval Office.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
The final will be held in New Jersey and will include, for the first time, a glitzy half-time show, much like the Super Bowl - American football's biggest fixture.
From BBC ● Jun. 6, 2026
It is hard to imagine Tom Smith surrounded by the artificialities of show business, standing in a glitzy showring, loosing horses to run in chaotic sprints, and not think that something precious was being squandered.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
For one thing, young people are opting to work at private-equity firms, high-frequency trading desks and other glitzier jobs where coffee serves as fuel, not product.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 15, 2026
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
A lack of new models has also made it tougher for Tesla to take on rivals in China, where an uneven economic recovery and fresher, glitzier offerings from local players have weighed on demand.
From Reuters ● Jul. 17, 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
If things had proceeded as planned a year and a half ago, you would have gotten to enjoy a slightly glitzier victory lap.
From New York Times ● Sep. 30, 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
He would also assume what might be the glitziest job in basketball while giving himself a chance to show that he can succeed at the highest level of the game.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 6, 2024
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.
