Dictionary

1glimmer

verb glim·mer \ˈgli-mər\

: to shine in a weak, faint, or unsteady way

glim·meredglim·mer·ing \ˈglim-riŋ, ˈgli-mə-\

Full Definition of GLIMMER

intransitive verb
1
a :  to shine faintly or unsteadily
b :  to give off a subdued unsteady reflection
2
:  to appear indistinctly with a faintly luminous quality
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Origin of GLIMMER

Middle English glimeren; akin to Old English glǣm gleam
First Known Use: 15th century

Synonym Discussion of GLIMMER

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>.

2glimmer

noun

: a weak, unsteady light

: a faint idea or suggestion of something

: a small amount or sign of something

Full Definition of GLIMMER

1
a :  a feeble or intermittent light
b :  a subdued unsteady shining or sparkle
2
a :  a dim perception or faint idea :  inkling
b :  hint, spark <a glimmer of intelligence>

First Known Use of GLIMMER

1590

Rhymes with GLIMMER

GLIMMER Defined for Kids

1glimmer

verb glim·mer \ˈgli-mər\
glim·meredglim·mer·ing

Definition of GLIMMER for Kids

:  to shine faintly and unsteadily

2glimmer

noun

Definition of GLIMMER for Kids

1
:  a faint unsteady light
2
:  a faint suggestion <a glimmer of trouble>
3
:  a small amount <a glimmer of hope>

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