glitter

verb

glit·ter | \ ˈgli-tər

glittered; glittering; glitters

Definition of glitter

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : to shine by reflection with many small flashes of brilliant light : sparkle sequins glittered in the spotlight

b : to shine with strong emotion : flash eyes glittering in anger

2 : to be brilliantly attractive, lavish, or spectacular also : to be superficially attractive or exciting

glitter

noun

Definition of glitter (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : sparkling brilliance of something that glitters

b : a bright usually superficial attractiveness

c : the quality of being spectacular

2 : small glittering objects used for ornamentation

Other Words from glitter Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about glitter

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Other Words from glitter

Verb

glitteringly \ ˈgli-tə-riŋ-lē

\ adverb

Noun

glittery \ ˈgli-tə-rē

\ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for glitter

Verb

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 glitter in a Sentence

Verb

The sequins on her dress glittered in the sun. Her eyes glittered with intelligence and amusement.

Noun

He was drawn to the glitter of the city's nightlife.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Dressed in a glittering gold bodysuit and robe by The Blonds, the Pose star was carried onto the carpet by a group of shirtless male attendants—all of them, naturally, also dressed in gold. — Emma Dibdin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Billy Porter Arrived on the Met Gala Red Carpet Fully Dressed as an Egyptian Sun God," 6 May 2019 Agrawal had on a glittering hat, a bright pink wig, and a gauzy white cape that she’d worn at her wedding. — Eliza Brooke, Glamour, "Is the World Ready for Miki Agrawal and Her Next Big Idea?," 4 Apr. 2019 In his early 30s, Fred Malek had a glittering resume. — James R. Hagerty, WSJ, "Fred Malek Wielded Influence in Politics and Business Despite Early Stumbles," 28 Mar. 2019 The first movement, a Toccata, opens with a rigorous statement of a stirring theme that soon fractures into a madcap rush of piano scales and glittering orchestral business. — Anthony Tommasini, New York Times, "Review: A Bold Pianist Rescues an Overlooked Concerto," 9 Feb. 2018 On La Perla’s Instagram see Priyanka Chopra in a bodysuit and a polka dot frock, or Kourtney Kardashian wearing a delicate lace bra with a glittering sheer dress. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "La Perla Releases Its First Bridal Collection—and It’s Very Hot," 12 Apr. 2019 The black dress featured a plunging neckline and glittering tulle skirt, which the Isn’t It Romantic star paired with a chic up-do hairstyle, a striking silver smokey eye, and statement drop earrings. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Got Their Tongues Out at the Oscars Vanity Fair Party," 25 Feb. 2019 In the Parton role, a radiant Barker makes the strongest impression — a heart as big as Texas shines through the glittering blue eye shadow and tumbling golden curls. — Matthew J. Palm, OrlandoSentinel.com, "'9 to 5' has to work a little harder in 2018," 21 Apr. 2018 Despite the glittering debut in 2004, Time Warner Center actually opened in stutter steps. — Justin Davidson, Daily Intelligencer, "The Megamall–Hotel–Condo–Concert Hall That Ate New York City," 10 Jan. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In this week's Coastal News Roundup, WWNO's Travis Lux and The Times-Picayune's Tristan Baurick discuss research from the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference and the environmental consequences of Mardi Gras glitter. — Tristan Baurick, NOLA.com, "Roseau cane, oil spill research and Mardi Gras glitter: This week's coastal news roundup," 9 Feb. 2018 There's no right or wrong way to assemble it: Just mix up some glitter and table salt, gather your snowman's appendages, and drop all of it in a plastic ball ornament. — Heather Finn, Good Housekeeping, "Get the Whole Family Crafting With These Easy DIY Christmas Ornaments," 6 Dec. 2018 The better news: the collectors'-item packaging features its same pale pink color but looks like it's been rolled in glitter. — Rachel Nussbaum, Glamour, "Too Faced Is Making a 'Better Than Birthday Sex' Mascara for Its Anniversary," 1 Aug. 2018 Like tube tops and fanny packs, body glitter is a 2000s trend that’s making an unlikely comeback. — Sarah Spellings, The Cut, "Chrissy Teigen Is Doing Her Part to Bring Back Body Glitter," 20 June 2018 Based on photos provided by our friends at AL.com, the Hangout Fest crowd was generously coated in glitter, but otherwise minimally clothed. — Doug Maccash, NOLA.com, "Tank and the Bangas bring New Orleans love to Hangout Fest in Alabama," 23 May 2018 While glitter is great, this season, nothing's sleeker than a matte topcoat. — Maura Kutner, Seventeen, "Fall Beauty Trend to Jump On: Matte Nail Polish!," 10 Sep. 2013 The blank card stock looks attractively minimalist all on its own, in my opinion, but it can be drawn on, painted, glitter-coated, or otherwise decorated to your crafty little heart’s content. — Michele Petry, House Beautiful, "It's So Easy to Build These Solar-Powered Nightlights," 13 Mar. 2019 Feed the unicorn and sit her down on her glitter potty for a slime surprise. — Rachel Siegel, The Seattle Times, "Hottest toys for Christmas (unicorn poop included)," 28 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'glitter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.