shimmer

[shim-er]

verb (used without object)

1. to shine with or reflect a subdued, tremulous light; gleam faintly.

   Synonyms: glimmer

2. to appear to quiver or vibrate in faint light or while reflecting heat waves.

noun

1. a subdued, tremulous light or gleam.

2. a quivering or vibrating motion or image as produced by reflecting faint light or heat waves.

shimmer

/ ˈʃɪmə /

verb

1. (intr) to shine with a glistening or tremulous light

noun

1. a faint, glistening, or tremulous light

Other Word Forms

• shimmeringly adverb
• unshimmering adjective
• unshimmeringly adverb
• shimmering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shimmer¹

First recorded before 1100; Middle English schimeren, s(c)hemeren, Old English scimrian; cognate with Dutch schemeren, German schimmern “to glisten”

Word History and Origins

Origin of shimmer¹

Old English scimerian; related to Middle Low German schēmeren to grow dark, Old Norse skimi brightness

Synonym Study

See glisten.

Example Sentences

One of the shards of her body hurtles straight toward me, whistling with speed and shimmering with power.

Read more on Literature

Other days dawned so clear the air shimmered and played tricks on her eyes.

Read more on Literature

But it also shimmered with optimism and adventure.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

America’s right-wing has long hated everything that shimmers in the distance beyond the territorial waters of this country.

Read more on Salon

“I was hunting in the north with my friends and family when we noticed a shimmering patch of water,” said the seal.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• gleam 
• glint 
• glow 
• shine 
• sparkle 
• twinkle