First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1twinkle
verb twin·kle \ˈtwiŋ-kəl\
: to shine with an unsteady light : to produce small flashes of light
of the eyes : to have a friendly or happy expression
twin·kledtwin·kling \-k(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of TWINKLE
intransitive verb
1
: to shine with a flickering or sparkling light : scintillate
2
a : to flutter the eyelids b : to appear bright especially with merriment <his eyes twinkled>
3
: to flutter or flit rapidly
transitive verb
1
: to cause to shine with fluctuating light
2
: to flicker or flirt rapidly <twinkled the straight, red-lacquered toes — Glenway Wescott>
— twin·kler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun
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Origin of TWINKLE
Middle English, from Old English twinclian; akin to Middle High German zwinken to blink
2twinkle
noun
: a quick flash of light : a sparkle or flicker of light
Full Definition of TWINKLE
1
: a wink of the eyelids
2
: the instant's duration of a wink : twinkling
See twinkle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TWINKLE
1548
TWINKLE Defined for Kids
1twinkle
verb twin·kle \ˈtwiŋ-kəl\
twin·kledtwin·kling
Definition of TWINKLE for Kids
1
: to shine or cause to shine with a flickering or sparkling light <Stars twinkle in the sky.>
2
: to appear bright with amusement <His eyes twinkled at the joke.>
3
: to move or flutter rapidly
2twinkle
noun
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