sparkling

American

[spahrk-ling] / ˈspɑrk lɪŋ /

adjective

shining with flashing points or gleams of reflected light, as the ocean or a faceted gemstone.
(of liquids) effervescent; carbonated; fizzy.

sparkling water.
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."

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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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

One rib bone from a deer-like animal contained sparkling calcite crystals that turned out to be crucial for dating the site.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2026

Twinings, for example, branched out into selling sparkling fruity tea in cans in 2024, while kombucha is now available in some supermarket meal deals.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

But Gaga really turned heads with her sparkling 7-carat earrings designed by Tiffany & Co.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Ella noticed the woman's sparkling blue eyes and peculiar smile.

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