gleam

1 of 2

noun

ˈglēm 

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

gleamy

ˈglē-mē 

adjective

gleam

2 of 2

verb

gleamed; gleaming; gleams

intransitive verb

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

transitive verb

: to cause to gleam

Synonyms of gleam

Noun

• glow
• glare
• light
• glint

Verb

• glint
• flash
• shimmer
• sparkle
• twinkle
• shine
• glisten
• glitter
• glimmer
• glow

Choose the Right Synonym for gleam

flash, gleam, glint, sparkle, glitter, glisten, glimmer, shimmer mean to send forth light.

flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light.

the sparkling waters

glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

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

Noun

The brilliant white building gleams in all its Art Deco glory, symbolizing Miami’s political and aviation history. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

Creative fire rises as the nurturing Moon enters Aries and gleams within your 5th House of Creativity, encouraging bold self-expression in whichever way most pleases your heart. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2026

Verb

For many families, the gleaming cruise ships offer an effortless and luxurious option for exploring the ocean. —Steve Adelstein, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026

Vietnam is a country with a breathtakingly beautiful coastline, a mouthwatering food scene, and vibrant cities where UNESCO World Heritage Sites huddle in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers. —Tamara Hinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English gleem, from Old English glǣm; akin to Old English geolu yellow — more at yellow

First Known Use

Noun

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1792, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for gleam

• beam
• bream
• cream
• creme
• deem
• dream
• meme
• ream
• scheme
• scream
• seam
• seem

Kids Definition

gleam

noun

ˈglēm

1

: a small briefly visible light : glint

2

: a brief or faint appearance : trace

gleam of hope

gleam verb