glitter

1 of 2

verb

glit·​ter ˈgli-tər 

glittered; glittering; glitters

intransitive verb

1

a

: to shine by reflection with many small flashes of brilliant light : sparkle

sequins glittered in the spotlight

b

: to shine with strong emotion : flash

eyes glittering in anger

2

: to be brilliantly attractive, lavish, or spectacular

also : to be superficially attractive or exciting

glitter

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: sparkling brilliance of something that glitters

b

: a bright usually superficial attractiveness

c

: the quality of being spectacular

2

: small glittering objects used for ornamentation

glittery

ˈgli-tə-rē 

adjective

Synonyms of glitter

Verb

• gleam
• shimmer
• sparkle
• flash
• shine

Choose the Right Synonym for glitter

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 glitter in a Sentence

Verb

The sequins on her dress glittered in the sun.

Her eyes glittered with intelligence and amusement.

Noun

He was drawn to the glitter of the city's nightlife.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

While a tweed suit and ruffle blouse can feel a little stuffy and traditional, these eye-catching, glittering gold necklaces add a welcome touch of shine to give this look a fresh feel. —Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 3 Feb. 2026

The labor-intensive curiosity, long relegated to fruitcake and other traditional sweets, is making a glittering comeback. —Hannah Walhout, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Feb. 2026

Noun

But not all that glitters is, in fact, gold. —Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026

The brand has sold more than 400,000 pairs and now produces the silhouette in four heel heights, from 60 mm to 110 mm, in materials ranging from leather and suede to satin and allover glitter. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 31 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English gliteren, perhaps from Old Norse glitra; akin to Old English geolu yellow

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing glitter

• glitter rock

Rhymes for glitter

• bitter
• critter
• fitter
• fritter
• hitter
• jitter
• knitter
• litter
• quitter
• ritter
• splitter
• titter

Kids Definition

glitter

1 of 2 verb

glit·​ter ˈglit-ər 

1

: to shine with brilliant or metallic luster

glittering sequins

2

: to shine with strong emotion

eyes glittered cruelly

glitter

2 of 2 noun

1

: sparkling brilliancy

2

: small glittering objects used for ornamentation

glittery

ˈglit-ə-rē 

adjective