twinkle

1 of 2

verb

twin·​kle ˈtwiŋ-kəl 

twinkled; twinkling ˈtwiŋ-k(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to shine with a flickering or sparkling light : scintillate

2

a

: to appear bright especially with merriment

his eyes twinkled

b

: to flutter the eyelids

3

: to flutter or flit rapidly

transitive verb

1

: to cause to shine with fluctuating light

2

: to flicker or flirt rapidly

twinkled the straight, red-lacquered toes

—Glenway Wescott

twinkler

ˈtwiŋ-k(ə-)lər 

noun

twinkle

2 of 2

noun

1

: an intermittent radiance : flicker, sparkle

2

: a rapid flashing motion : flit

3

: a wink of the eyelids

4

: the instant's duration of a wink : twinkling

twinkly

ˈtwiŋ-k(ə-)lē 

adjective

Synonyms

Verb

• blink
• flash
• wink

Noun

• beat
• eyeblink
• flash
• heartbeat
• instant
• jiff
• jiffy
• minute
• moment
• nanosecond
• New York minute
• second
• shake
• split second
• trice
• twinkling
• wink

Examples of twinkle in a Sentence

Verb

The lights of the city twinkled in the distance.

Stars twinkle in the night sky.

Her eyes twinkled with excitement.

Noun

We saw the twinkle of a candle in the window.

in just a twinkle, the shooting star was gone

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

While twinkling string lights and outdoor area rugs can make a space inviting, the right patio furniture can make all the difference. —Toni Sutton, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Fiesta Flambeau Parade: May 3 This nighttime parade through downtown San Antonio is lively and upbeat, with bright, twinkling lights adorning the floats. —Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025

Noun

These commercial-quality clear twinkle net lights are built to last for years. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 5 Dec. 2024

Walking into the cozy cafe – decked out with colorful throw pillows and twinkle lights – feels like being embraced in a welcoming hug. —Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English twinclian; akin to Middle High German zwinken to blink

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing twinkle

• a twinkle in one's eye
• in the twinkle/twinkling of an eye

Rhymes for twinkle

• crinkle
• sprinkle
• tinkle
• winkle
• wrinkle
• periwinkle

Kids Definition

twinkle

1 of 2 verb

twin·​kle ˈtwiŋ-kəl 

twinkled; twinkling -k(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to shine or cause to shine with a flickering or sparkling light

2

: to appear bright with amusement

his eyes twinkled

3

: to move or flutter rapidly

twinkler

-k(ə-)lər 

noun

twinkle

2 of 2 noun

1

: a very short time

2

: sparkle entry 2 sense 1, flicker

twinkly

-k(ə-)lē 

adjective