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.
Talk of ending the traditional dinner described by some wags as the quintessential glitzy Washington, D.C., event is growing.
From Salon • May 1, 2026
In the evening, the pair will head to a glitzy reception focused on the creative industries.
From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026
World leaders expressed shock after a shooter charged a glitzy media gala in Washington on Saturday night attended by US President Donald Trump -- and relief that there were no casualties.
From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026
News of the allegations against Jay-Z broke just a day before the glitzy Hollywood premiere of “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which featured the voices of his wife and daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 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
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.
