sparkle

verb

spar·kle | \ ˈspär-kəl

sparkled; sparkling\ ˈspär-k(ə-)liŋ

Definition of sparkle

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : to throw out sparks

b : to give off or reflect bright moving points of light

c : to perform brilliantly

2 : effervesce wine that sparkles

3 : to become lively or animated the dialogue sparkles with wit eyes sparkling with anger

transitive verb

: to cause to glitter or shine

sparkle

noun

Definition of sparkle (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a little spark : scintillation

2 : the quality of sparkling

3a : animation, liveliness

b : the quality or state of being effervescent

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

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Choose the Right Synonym for sparkle

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 sparkle in a Sentence

Verb

The dancers sparkled on stage. Her eyes sparkled with pride.

Noun

The sun reflected off the water in bright sparkles of light. He caught the sparkle of her diamond out of the corner of his eye. a performance full of sparkle and originality the sparkle in her eyes

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The fear around sparkling water’s effect on teeth comes down to the beverage’s acidity. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Is Sparkling Water Bad for You in Some Way?," 5 Apr. 2019 Deidrie Henry as Billie Holiday ascends the stage in the Armory in a white gown, perfect lipstick, sparkling jewels and a fur coat, looking elegant — and high as a kite. — OregonLive.com, "'Lady Day' tells Billie Holiday's story in richly layered, unforgettable show," 4 June 2018 Produced by Zzazz Productions, the 40-minute show opened with six models wearing black cocktail dresses and swathed in sparkling jewels, each created by a different designer. — Candace Jordan, chicagotribune.com, "A Silver Lining Foundation fundraiser supports breast health through fashion," 13 Mar. 2018 Like this sparkly pillow, this would be a cool hair color, all sparkling. — Sophia Panych, Allure, "Sophie Turner Talks About Going Back to Blonde — and Her New Favorite Hair-Care Products," 22 Feb. 2018 The sleeveless ensemble draped to the floor and sparkled under the red carpet lights. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "Keri Russell Wore a Metallic Plunging Neckline Dress to the 2019 Golden Globes," 7 Jan. 2019 According to the Wine Institute, a U.S. trade body, EU import tariffs on a bottle of wine run between 11 cents and 29 cents depending on alcohol content, while U.S. import tariffs are 5 cents for still wine and 14 cents for sparkling. — Stacy Meichtry, WSJ, "Trump Unleashes Twitter Tirade Against Macron," 13 Nov. 2018 Throughout the series, there has been this message that magic doesn’t come from all that sparkles in life. — Gabe Bergado, Teen Vogue, ""The Magicians" Finale Just Pulled Off Its Most Heart-wrenching Risk Yet," 18 Apr. 2019 In northern California and Oregon, the snowy landscape seems at times to press right up against the train windows before breaking open into vast valleys that literally sparkle as the sun gleams off the snow, streams and lakes. — Crystal Paul, The Seattle Times, "What it’s like to take a 35-hour ride on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train from Los Angeles to Seattle," 29 Mar. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Sequins add sparkle to this Monique Lhuillier Silver Sequin Heart Lunch Bag ($24.50 at potterybarnkids.com). — Christina Barron, The Seattle Times, "The best lunch boxes for kids (and the young at heart)," 16 Aug. 2018 Add some sparkle to your life with this perfect care package item! — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "15 Care Package Items for Every Kind of College Student," 2 Aug. 2018 Kim also wore a black vintage Versace dress, Khloé went full sparkle in a silver look and matching headscarf, Kendall went for a classic slip, and Kylie opted for a body-hugging gold two-piece look. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Everything to Know About Kourtney Kardashian's 40th Birthday Party," 19 Apr. 2019 The remainder of her collection focuses on bringing the sparkle to your eyes and face. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Kylie Jenner Unveiled Her Kylie Cosmetics Holiday Collection on Instagram," 14 Nov. 2018 Bo Derek, who sells her signature pet grooming products at the show, brings sparkle to the front row. — Valli Herman, latimes.com, "Can NBC and USA make the Beverly Hills Dog Show an Easter viewing tradition?," 29 Mar. 2018 Get the look: Try Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow in Bette ($32) for a no-fuss kind of sparkle. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "9 Pretty Spring 2019 Makeup Trends You're Going to See Everywhere," 5 Mar. 2019 And because pink is my favorite color, the band would be in pink outfits with some sparkles and glitter. — Alanna Greco, Seventeen, "These Celebs Have the *Best* Promposal Ideas," 12 Mar. 2019 Nicole is happy a stylist has arrived because she's never seen so many sequins in her life, which cues the arrival of Angelique and Devin, both in sparkles. — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, "The Bachelor Season Premiere Recap: Did You Know Colton's a Virgin?," 7 Jan. 2019

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