Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense glitters, present participle glittering, past tense, past participle glittered
1. verb
If something glitters, light comes from or is reflected off different parts of it.
The bay glittered in the sunshine. [VERB]
The Palace glittered with lights. [VERB preposition]
Synonyms: shine, flash, sparkle, flare More Synonyms of glitter
2. verb
If someone's eyes glitter, they are bright and express a particular emotion such as excitement or interest.
[written]
His eyes glittered with a tense amusement. [VERB]
3. uncountable noun
Glitter consists of tiny shining pieces of metal. It is glued to things for decoration.
Decorate the tunic with sequins or glitter.
4. uncountable noun
You can use glitter to refer to superficial attractiveness or to the excitement connected with something.
She was blinded by the glitter and the glamour of her own life.
More Synonyms of glitter
glitter in British English
(ˈɡlɪtə)
verb(intransitive)
1.
(of a hard, wet, or polished surface) to reflect light in bright flashes
2.
(of light) to be reflected in bright flashes
3. (usually foll by with)
to be decorated or enhanced by the glamour (of)
the show glitters with famous actors
noun
4.
sparkle or brilliance
5.
show and glamour
6.
tiny pieces of shiny decorative material used for ornamentation, as on the skin
7. Also called: silver thaw Canadian
ice formed from freezing rain
Derived forms
glittery (ˈglittery)
adjective
Word origin
C14: from Old Norse glitra; related to Old High German glīzan to shine
glitter in American English
(ˈglɪtər)
verb intransitive
1.
to shine with a sparkling light; be bright; glisten; sparkle
2.
to be strikingly brilliant, showy, or attractive
noun
3.
a bright, sparkling light
4.
striking or showy brilliance or attractiveness
5.
bits of glittering material used for decoration
6. Canadian
a glaze of ice formed by quickly freezing rain
: also glitter ice
SIMILAR WORDS: flash
Word origin
ME gliteren, prob. < ON glitra, akin to Ger glitzern: for IE base see glisten
Examples of 'glitter' in a sentence
glitter
So who did manage to sparkle as the glamour got glittering?
The Sun (2017)
Seasonal sparkle GET your glitter on with these top table treats.
The Sun (2016)
That was the decade when people lost interest in song and dance, in glitter and glamour - or so it is said.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Eight regional winners and one overall winner will be selected at the glittering ceremony.
The Sun (2009)
All that shopping and eating and arguing and crying and all the glitter and tacky decorations.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
This sheer balm has a translucent pearl finish that highlights without glitter or sparkle.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Hair or face glitter can add sparkle.
The Sun (2011)
They go to a city and see lights and glitter, but miss the lonely people.
Christianity Today (2000)
Hard, glittering sounds with surprising beauties.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
But if you probe beneath the glittering surface there's a hollow where the heart should be.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The temple was beautiful to behold, with its golden walls glittering in the sunshine.
Vera Peiffer POSITIVELY FEARLESS: Breaking free of the fears that hold you back (2001)
The dad-of-two received a special award for courage in the face of adversity at the glittering ceremony.
The Sun (2011)
He has left behind a secure home, a loving family and a glittering array of school prizes.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The locals had hoped for glitter and glamour to show off their 250 million sporting showpiece and they got rain.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It leaves the whole affair seductive in its surface glitter, but not as satisfying as it might have been.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
THE world's most glittering awards ceremony is almost upon us.
The Sun (2011)
She said: 'They love the glitter and glamour.
The Sun (2012)
Light, glittering synths work to counter his deep, gutsy vocal to amazing effect.
The Sun (2015)
I am ready to immerse myself in glitter and hard work, with a dash of fun along the way.
The Sun (2014)
The hedgerows looked greener and the sunshine was glittering off the Firth of Forth.
Peter McEvoy For Love or Money (2006)
Display cabinets on the wall showcase the glittering array of trophies, medals and plaques that the company has cast over the course of almost a century.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Yet it would not be a complex city if, beneath the glittering lights, there were no chronic problems.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Use your managerial knowhow to select a team from the glittering array of Premier League superstars listed on the right.
The Sun (2014)
In other languages
glitter
British English: glitter VERB
If something glitters, light comes from or is reflected off different parts of it.
The bay glittered in the sunshine.
American English: glitter
Brazilian Portuguese: reluzir
Chinese: 闪闪发光
European Spanish: relucir
French: scintiller
German: glitzern
Italian: scintillare
Japanese: きらきら輝く
Korean: 반짝반짝 빛나다
European Portuguese: reluzir
Latin American Spanish: relucir
British English: glitter NOUN
Glitter consists of tiny shining pieces of metal. It is glued to things for decoration.