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Synonyms

glitter

American  
[glit-er] / ˈglɪt ər /

verb (used without object)

  1. to reflect light with a brilliant, sparkling luster; sparkle with reflected light.

  2. to make a brilliant show.


noun

  1. a sparkling reflected light or luster.

    Synonyms:
    sparkle
  2. showy splendor.

  3. small glittering ornaments.

glitter British  
/ ˈɡlɪtə /

verb

  1. (of a hard, wet, or polished surface) to reflect light in bright flashes

  2. (of light) to be reflected in bright flashes

  3. (usually foll by with) to be decorated or enhanced by the glamour (of)

    the show glitters with famous actors

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. sparkle or brilliance

  2. show and glamour

  3. tiny pieces of shiny decorative material used for ornamentation, as on the skin

  4. Also called: silver thaw.  ice formed from freezing rain

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
glitter Idioms  

Related Words

See flash.

Other Word Forms

  • glitteringly adverb
  • glittery adjective
  • outglitter verb (used with object)
  • unglittering adjective

Etymology

Origin of glitter

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old Norse glitra; compare Old English glitenian, German gleissen “to shine, glitter”

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.

Yet some of Epstein’s deepest ties were with America’s most distinguished academics, cultivated over years through financial support, shared interests and hospitality at his glittering properties.

From The Wall Street Journal

She smiled at the gold at first, and the glittering skeins piled around her feet, like a golden pool.

From Literature

McInnes knows he is privileged to be able to use Ferguson as a sounding board after a glittering managerial career, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues with United.

From Barron's

Chinese auto giant BYD logged a nearly threefold increase in European sales last month, a glittering start to the year as its electric and hybrid vehicles remain in high demand on the continent.

From The Wall Street Journal

But beneath the glittering gold medals, there was pain.

From Los Angeles Times