glistening

adjective

glis·​ten·​ing ˈgli-sᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce glistening (audio)
Synonyms of glisteningnext
: 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

Examples of glistening in a Sentence

a glistening marble table top
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Directed by Jerry Morka, the video finds BigX and company rolling out old-school automobiles dipped in candy paint with glistening rims, staying true to the Texan tradition of always doing it big. Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026 Then they were scooped from the pot and set on a plate to rest, glistening and congealed, revealing the color of the filling within. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026 The sound was plush, the sense of space immense, the details glistening — and half a dozen visitors sat listening in rigid discomfort. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 26 Feb. 2026 The garlic bread is presented as a glistening round of spelt schiacciata gushing with butter, garlic and parsley. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026 The reimagining of Chula Vista’s shoreline continues as the Port of San Diego prepares to introduce new public amenities designed to enhance the waterfront expanse opposite the glistening Gaylord resort. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 The spaces get smaller and smaller as the shark approaches, radiating a sense of that closing distance until the string stabs cut into the listener like so many glistening teeth. Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026 Below-zero temperatures have beauty insiders daydreaming about being under the tropical sun; their faces bronzed, their hair sandy, and their nails glistening like the ocean. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026 Jett, who is typically outfitted in a catsuit — no pun intended — swaps her sporty look for a glistening gold halter top and a pair of empire waist trousers while arriving at a particularly important game. Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glistening was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glistening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glistening. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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