Dictionary

1glitter

verb glit·ter \ˈgli-tər\

: to shine brightly : to shine with bright points of light

Full Definition of GLITTER

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
glit·ter·ing·ly \-tə-riŋ-lē\ adverb
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Origin of GLITTER

Middle English gliteren, perhaps from Old Norse glitra; akin to Old English geolu yellow
First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of 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>.

2glitter

noun

: light that shines in small, bright points

: an appealing, fancy, and exciting quality : a glamorous quality

: small, shiny objects used to decorate a surface

Full Definition of GLITTER

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
glit·tery \ˈgli-tə-rē\ adjective

First Known Use of GLITTER

1593
GLITTERY Defined for Kids

1glitter

verb glit·ter \ˈgli-tər\
glit·teredglit·ter·ing

Definition of GLITTER for Kids

:  to sparkle brightly

2glitter

noun

Definition of GLITTER for Kids

1
:  sparkling brightness
2
:  small glittering objects for decoration
glit·tery \ˈgli-tə-rē\ adjective

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