glistening

adjective

glis·​ten·​ing ˈgli-sᵊn-iŋ 

: shining with reflected light

a damp, glistening surface

… a wonderland of glistening, shallow lakes of rainwater …

—Joseph Judge

The boatman was a tiny man with glistening brown skin and an almost circular mouth.

—Bruce Chatwin

… contrasting dark surfaces with glistening decorative details.

—Architectural Digest

Monroe County will always be unique because it is a collection of little tropical islands sprinkled across the glistening waters off the southern tip of the peninsula.

—George Laycock

glisteningly adverb

The cup across from her was icily clean, glisteningly empty.

—Sinclair Lewis

Synonyms of glistening

• polished
• glossy
• sleek
• gleaming
• satin

Examples of glistening in a Sentence

a glistening marble table top

Recent Examples on the Web

The suite next door had a full kitchen with glistening white-and-burgundy countertops, door frames set in raw marble, and a dining table sourced from a Paris flea market. — Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2026

The Lux Unfiltered High Gloss Body Oil is a multitasking body shimmer oil, providing a glistening finish that makes your skin look as sparkly as the ocean at sunset with actual sun protection, thanks to its SPF 30 inclusion. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 28 July 2026

Take your time admiring the pristine yachts on the glistening blue water before directing your attention to the posh promenades of Calle Ribera and Muelle Ribera. — Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Granted, the front foyer has glistening hardwood flooring, an open stairway, and wide seven-inch baseboard trim combined with crown molding to add a touch of elegance. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for glistening

• christening
• listening