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

stars twinkling

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

… in the dark coverts the … beetle twinkles its tiny lamp …

—Haldane MacFall

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 of twinkle

Verb

• flash
• flicker
• sparkle

Noun

• minute
• heartbeat
• second
• moment
• twinkling

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

With its twinkling Christmas lights and simple ornaments, this small Christmas tree still manages to be the tallest thing in the room. —Grace Gallagher, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025

Bask in the twinkling lights in the company of your favorite people. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Dec. 2025

Noun

Think a mini tent for each child, personalized props, soft bedding, and a plethora of twinkle lights. —Liz Regalia, Parents, 6 Dec. 2025

Though the Noel’s shining achievement just might be its six different light settings that range from a staggered twinkle to ambient glow. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 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