glistening

1 of 2

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

glistening

2 of 2

present participle of glisten entry 1

Synonyms of glistening

Adjective

• polished
• glossy
• sleek
• gleaming
• satin

Examples of glistening in a Sentence

Adjective

a glistening marble table top

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But many of the film’s most evocative images, often involving groups of soldiers, handsome and glistening and in varying stages of undress, remain just that — images without a strong connection to the larger storytelling. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Frank O’Hara, with each glistening torso, never fails to tell you something true. — Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026

Back in 2017, the family invested more than $100 million into the hotel in preparation of the 35th America’s Cup—an extensive multi-year renovation that shined up an already glistening property. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Retailing for $1,170, the all-black style featured glistening satin black uppers that transitioned into open, rounded toes with thick straps. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for glistening

• christening
• listening