sparkling
Americanadjective
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shining with flashing points or gleams of reflected light, as the ocean or a faceted gemstone.
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(of liquids) effervescent; carbonated; fizzy.
sparkling water.
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The property is “surrounded by lush gardens and features a sparkling pool and spa, creating an idyllic setting for both entertaining and everyday living.”
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
Tice said warmer weather has upsides: Britain’s sparkling wine would soon challenge French Champagne.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026
The island, known for its rows of palm trees and sparkling waters, received more than 13 million foreign and domestic visitors last year.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
After that, I’ll shoot over to Los Feliz and go to Maru Coffee and get either a cortado or the espresso, because it comes with a little sparkling water, and a croissant.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026
Elizabeth Boardman came into the chandlery, her eyes sparkling.
From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham
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.
