sparkly

American  

[spahr-klee] / ˈspɑr kli /

adjective

sparklier, sparkliest

1. tending to sparkle; animated; lively.

   a row of sparkly cheerleaders.

2. (of a wine) naturally carbonated; effervescent.

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Etymology

Origin of sparkly

First recorded in 1920–25; sparkle + -y ¹

Explanation

The adjective sparkly is useful for describing an object that glints with light, like a disco ball, or a person whose personality is equally bright and bubbly. A little girl's glittery shoes are sparkly, and so is sunlight flashing on the surface of a lake. When people are described as sparkly, it's usually because they are vivacious and enthusiastic, the life of the party. The word sparkly was first used in the 1920s, from sparkle, which in turn comes from spark. The origin isn't known for sure, but it may be rooted in the Old Norse word sparkr, "sprightly."

Example Sentences

She claimed to be ignorant about where the millions she spent on recording, merchandise, tours and “fun, playful, and sparkly outfits” were drawn from.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

“Talk to Me” is another winner with a bright and sparkly arrangement, its strobe-like effect accentuated with the sound of crashing objects, as if the stage is collapsing around the song as it builds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Zendaya was spotted at Louis Vuitton's show on Tuesday sporting some sparkly jewellery alongside a simple gold ring - which looked like it could be a wedding band to us.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

And if you’re in the market for an engagement ring — it’s proposal season, after all — or a sparkly Valentine’s Day gift, then you should, too.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 3, 2026

Bakers began frosting their cakes with plain sugar—it was cheaper than luck and just as sparkly.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat