sparkling

American  

[spahrk-ling] / ˈspɑrk lɪŋ /

adjective

1. shining with flashing points or gleams of reflected light, as the ocean or a faceted gemstone.

2. (of liquids) effervescent; carbonated; fizzy.

   sparkling water.

3. brilliant, lively, or vivacious.

   sparkling conversation.

---

Etymology

Origin of sparkling

First recorded in 1350–1400; sparkl(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Explanation

Something that's sparkling shines or glints with many little lights. You might say that the starry night sky is sparkling. You can describe someone's eyes as sparkling, if they twinkle with light, or admire the sparkling lights on your friend's Christmas tree. Another way to use the adjective sparkling is to describe a carbonated beverage, like sparkling wine or sparkling cider. Any fizzy, bubbly drink is sparkling. People have used sparkling to describe wine and eyes since the fifteenth century, and it comes from the Old English spearca, "glowing or fiery particle thrown off."

Example Sentences

Add scallions and sparkling water and, honestly, you have a fairly accurate snapshot of my emotional ecosystem.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

Just about every corner of Julie Burton’s Silver Lake studio is filled with sparkling glass jewelry — some real, some symbolic — and whimsical ceramic figures inspired by Midcentury Modern design.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Take one last look at your sparkling transcript, then never mention it again.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Alex Fitzpatrick hit a sparkling seven-under-par 64 to seize a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Behind her are huge windows, with city lights sparkling in the background.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Related Words

• animated
• bright
• brilliant
• dazzling
• glistening
• glittering
• lively
• scintillating
• shimmering
• shining
• spirited
• starry