shimmer

verb

shim·mer | \ ˈshi-mər

shimmered; shimmering\ ˈshi-mə-riŋ

, ˈshim-riŋ \

Definition of shimmer

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to shine with a soft tremulous or fitful light : glimmer

2 : to reflect a wavering sometimes distorted visual image

transitive verb

: to cause to shimmer

shimmer

noun

Definition of shimmer (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a light that shimmers : subdued sparkle or sheen : glimmer

2 : a wavering sometimes distorted visual image usually resulting from heat-induced changes in atmospheric refraction

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

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Choose the Right Synonym for shimmer

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 shimmer in a Sentence

Verb

The road shimmered in the heat. a sequined dress shimmering under the studio lights

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Heat oil over medium-high heat until just starting to shimmer but not smoke. — Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, "Use leftover salmon for this fresh pasta with currants and fried capers," 6 June 2019 When the oil is hot enough to shimmer slightly and flow freely when the skillet is tilted, add the cherry tomatoes. — Wolfgang Puck, Twin Cities, "Wolfgang Puck: A pasta dish for all seasons," 5 June 2019 Elle completed the dazzling look with a sleek topknot and understated makeup, including slightly shimmering eyeshadow, a hint of blush, and a pink lip. — Emma Sarran Webster, Teen Vogue, "Elle Fanning Wore a Tulle Cape to the Cannes Film Festival Closing Ceremony," 25 May 2019 Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in medium skillet on medium until shimmering, about 2 minutes. — The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, "Spring Herb Frittata," 2 May 2019 During the Houston Rockets' playoff run the lights shimmered in the team's colors. — Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, "Meet the man who controls the colored lights over the Southwest Freeway bridges," 5 June 2018 The highlighter is also available in a matte and shimmer formula. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Kylie Jenner Announced a Kylie Cosmetics Eyebrow Line Called Kybrow," 23 Apr. 2019 Inspired by his travels, Forster came to believe that a revolution in Europe was in the air, as inevitable as the sunrise over the shimmering Pacific. — Christoph Irmscher, WSJ, "‘Georg Forster’ Review: In Search of Earthly Paradise," 22 Feb. 2019 The pink and gold gown shimmered as Kim entered the exhibit, making her look like a princess. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kim Kardashian Is Nearly Naked in a Transparent Grecian Gown & Tiny Corset by Thierry Mugler," 26 Feb. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown. — Joe Yonan, The Seattle Times, "Jaggery, tamarind and ghee: Nik Sharma sets a multicultural, seasonal table," 16 Oct. 2018 The catwalk was dusted with glitter, a nod to Spade’s enduring shimmer, which was threaded throughout Glass’s collection. — Katharine K. Zarrella, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kate Spade's New Creative Director Opens Up About Honoring the Late Designer's Legacy," 30 Jan. 2019 The Naked Reloaded includes deep, luxurious shades in rich mattes and UD's trademark pearly shimmers. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "Urban Decay is Launching the Naked Reloaded Palette With Bigger Eyeshadow Pans," 13 Feb. 2019 And what a way to celebrate a quarter century on the scene than by releasing this beautiful collision of AOR riffs and sweet pop shimmer. — Ron Hart, Billboard, "Reunited '90s Rockers Belly Talk Loving Kesha & Why the Rapper Belly Is 'Not Even An Issue'," 24 May 2018 Perfect Mono Innocence and Gold Dust added shimmer to the eyelids. — Julie Kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Pat McGrath's Enchanting Makeup at Dolce & Gabbana," 24 Feb. 2014 To prep for shadow, Mann first applied UD's Primer Potion in Sin (a pale nude shimmer) to Williams' lids. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "Maisie Williams Wore a Full Face of Urban Decay’s Game of Thrones Makeup Collection to the Season 8 Premiere," 4 Apr. 2019 Attendees interpreted the dress code in many ways: geometric prints, dizzying pleats, and lots of shimmer. — Zachary Schwartz, Vogue, "Emily Ratajkowski, Sienna Miller, and More Celebrate the Ultra-Cool Rem Koolhaas at the New Museum’s Spring Gala," 4 Apr. 2019 Ariana was the picture of elegance, pulling her hair back into her signature tight ponytail and wearing a light shimmer on her face that perfectly catches the camera’s flash. — Avery Matera, Teen Vogue, "Ariana Grande Walked Dog Myron in Pink Lipstick and a Matching Faux Fur Coat," 3 Jan. 2019

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