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.

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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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

That’s a good time to go through their gifts and spend a Saturday afternoon drinking sparkling wine or lemonade and writing thank-you cards.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

But on a bright chilly morning in a Toronto area -- one of three districts holding special elections next week to fill parliamentary seats -- some said Carney's sparkling credentials had not delivered tangible results.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

He came home in 32, birdieing the last for a sparkling 66 to tie the low total of the week at 11 under par.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

A nurse in a sparkling white uniform invited me into a little office.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

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