Main Entry: ¹twin·kle

Pronunciation: \ˈtwiŋ-kəl\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): twin·kled; twin·kling \-k(ə-)liŋ\

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English twinclian; akin to Middle High German zwinken to blink

Date: before 12th century

intransitive verb 1 : to shine with a flickering or sparkling light : scintillate
2 a : to flutter the eyelids b : to appear bright especially with merriment <his eyes twinkled>
3 : to flutter or flit rapidlytransitive verb 1 : to cause to shine with fluctuating light
2 : to flicker or flirt rapidly <twinkled the straight, red-lacquered toes — Glenway Wescott>

— twin·kler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun