shimmer

[ shim-er ]

/ ˈʃɪm ər /

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verb (used without object)

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

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

noun

a subdued, tremulous light or gleam.

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

Nearby words

shily, shim, shimazaki, shimizu, shimla, shimmer, shimmery, shimmy, shimonoseki, shin, shin guard

Origin of shimmer

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

SYNONYMS FOR shimmer

1 glimmer. See glisten.

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Related forms

shim·mer·ing·ly, adverbun·shim·mer·ing, adjectiveun·shim·mer·ing·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for shimmering

This season was no different, as he sent both men and women down the runway in shimmering head-to-toe looks.
Kimye’s Dazzling, Terrifying LFW Appearance|Justin Jones|September 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When Hansberry wrote A Raisin in the Sun, America was shimmering with the stirrings of social agitation.
Is There a Ma Joad for the Piketty Era?|Katie Baker|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The last to take the runway was a shimmering gold, high-low gown with two elbow length cuffs, a thick choker, and heeled mules.
The Blessing of Thom Browne Latest Collection|Erin Cunningham|February 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It was just two weeks ago, a little more, that this was going to be a day of shimmering triumph.
How Bad Does the GOP Need Chris Christie? Really Bad.|Michael Tomasky|January 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST

A keen sailor, I was envious of the crew on board having the chance to sail on these stunning, shimmering blue waters.
How John Lennon Rediscovered His Music in Bermuda|The Telegraph|November 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Roger looked over the breathless, shimmering desert to the far calm blue of the River Range.
The Forbidden Trail|Honor Willsie
A shimmering mask covered the face, catching glitter-fire in the sun.
Key Out of Time|Andre Alice Norton
Over the plains, apparently without end, was a sea of billowy clouds, shimmering with golden and pearly lights.
Your National Parks|Enos A. Mills
The humid heat of early afternoon hung in shimmering waves over Sephar's walls and buildings of stone.
Warrior of the Dawn|Howard Carleton Browne
To the rear was the terrace of a htel, and beyond was a shimmering bay like to that which he had seen at San Sebastian.
Mr. Incoul's Misadventure|Edgar Saltus

British Dictionary definitions for shimmering

shimmer

/ (ˈʃɪmə) /

verb

(intr) to shine with a glistening or tremulous light

noun

a faint, glistening, or tremulous light

Derived Forms

shimmering, adjectiveshimmeringly, adverb

Word Origin for shimmer

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012