First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1glint
verb \ˈglint\
: to shine in small bright flashes
Full Definition of GLINT
intransitive verb
1
a archaic : to glance off an object b of rays of light : to be reflected at an angle from a surface
2
: to give off reflection in brilliant flashes; also : gleam
3
: to look quickly or briefly : glance
4
: to appear briefly or faintly
transitive verb
: to cause to glint
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Origin of GLINT
Middle English, to dart obliquely, glint, alteration of glenten, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish dialect glänta to clear up; akin to Old High German glanz bright, Old English geolu yellow — more at yellow
Related to GLINT
Synonym Discussion of GLINT
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>.
2glint
noun
: a small flash of light
: a small amount of emotion seen in a person's eyes
Full Definition of GLINT
1
: a tiny bright flash of light
2
: a brief or faint manifestation : glimmer <a glint of recognition>; also : a trace of emotion expressed through the eyes <a steely glint in his eye>
See glint defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GLINT
14th century
GLINT Defined for Kids
1glint
verb \ˈglint\
glint·edglint·ing
Definition of GLINT for Kids
: to shine with tiny bright flashes
2glint
noun
Definition of GLINT for Kids
: a brief flash
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