shimmer

1 of 2

verb

shim·​mer ˈshi-mər How to pronounce shimmer (audio)
shimmered; shimmering ˈshi-mə-riŋ How to pronounce shimmer (audio)
ˈshim-riŋ

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

2 of 2

noun

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
shimmery
ˈshi-mə-rē How to pronounce shimmer (audio)
ˈshim-rē
adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for shimmer

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
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.
Verb
Dart, who was selected 25th overall by the Giants in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, shared the heartwarming story behind his shimmering chain when he was asked by reporters about it after his first practice of rookie minicamp. Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 This week, London shimmered with star power as Damson Idris, David Oyelowo, and Deborah Ayorinde attended The British Blacklist’s Blacklisted Honours Lunch, while Naomi Campbell, Janet Jackson, and Chiwetel Ejiofor lit up the British Museum Ball. Okla Jones, Essence, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
Precisely tailored pieces were paired with intricate and flamboyant textures, from a top hand embroidered with crystal briolettes and round glass beads to the luminous shimmer of skirts in leather and recycled fiberglass. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025 In the late afternoon sun, the turquoise surface of Maligne Lake shimmers like an alpine mirage. Lisa Kadane, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shimmer

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English schimeren, from Old English scimerian; akin to Old English scīnan to shine — more at shine

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shimmer was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shimmer. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

shimmer

verb
shim·​mer
ˈshim-ər
shimmered; shimmering
-(ə-)riŋ
: to shine with a wavering light : glimmer
shimmer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on shimmer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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