1
a
: a transient appearance of subdued or partly obscured light
the gleam of dawn in the east
b(1)
: a small bright light
the gleam of a match
(2)
: glint
a gleam in his eyes
2
: a brief or faint appearance
a gleam of hope
gleamed; gleaming; gleams
1
: to shine with or as if with subdued steady light or moderate brightness
2
: to appear briefly or faintly
a light gleamed in the distance
: to cause to gleam
Examples of gleam in a Sentence
Noun
He saw the gleam of a flashlight in the distance.
the rich gleam of the polished wood
Verb
The sun gleamed on the water.
His eyes were gleaming with delight.
Recent Examples on the Web
Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2026
The chef Eric Ripert and his partner, Maguy Le Coze, understand that space and time are as much luxuries as the commitment to craft and decades of dedication that give each plate here a consummate gleam.
—Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Rebekah Peppler, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 May 2026
His jaw tightened as beads of sweat gleamed on his forehead.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for gleam
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Noun
Biscan suggests benefiting from the gleam and dimension of iridescence while opting for the sophistication of marble and marble-look tiles.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2026
The chef Eric Ripert and his partner, Maguy Le Coze, understand that space and time are as much luxuries as the commitment to craft and decades of dedication that give each plate here a consummate gleam.
—Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Verb
From lush velvet upholstery to intricate marquetry to gleaming brass fixtures, each sleeping carriage—including an exclusive carriage-long L’Observatoire designed by French artist and photographer JR that launched in 2025—is packed with immersive details that send travelers back in time.
—Rebekah Peppler, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 May 2026
His jaw tightened as beads of sweat gleamed on his forehead.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for gleam
Cite this Entry
“Gleam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gleam. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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