glitter

verb

glit·​ter ˈgli-tər 

glittered; glittering; glitters

intransitive verb

1

a

: 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

Synonyms of glitter

• gleam
• shimmer
• sparkle
• flash
• shine

Choose the Right Synonym for glitter

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

The sequins on her dress glittered in the sun.

Her eyes glittered with intelligence and amusement.

Recent Examples on the Web

In this iteration, the cylindrical bulk of Madison Square Garden acquires a certain classical nobility, wrapped in terra-cotta tiles that glitter through a corset of stone ribs. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026

The plunging midi slip dress, which Lopez shared in a new Instagram post, featured a sheer material that was absolutely covered in strand upon strand of glittering silver sequins. —Meg Walters, InStyle, 6 June 2026

One butcher joined the march with the longest carving fork Ursula had ever seen, twin tines glittering sharp overhead. —Literary Hub, 3 June 2026

Through the revolving door is the famous Grand Promenade—a wide walkway down to the sea, blue and glittering beyond the low white building of Eden-Roc, which discreetly houses three restaurants, six bars, the Pavilion suites and the poolside. —Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gliteren, perhaps from Old Norse glitra; akin to Old English geolu yellow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing glitter

• glitter rock

Rhymes for glitter

• bitter
• critter
• fitter
• fritter
• hitter
• jitter
• knitter
• litter
• quitter
• ritter
• splitter
• titter

Kids Definition

glitter

1 of 2 verb

glit·​ter ˈglit-ər 

1

: to shine with brilliant or metallic luster

glittering sequins

2

: to shine with strong emotion

eyes glittered cruelly

glitter

2 of 2 noun

1

: sparkling brilliancy

2

: small glittering objects used for ornamentation

glittery

ˈglit-ə-rē 

adjective