Glimmer

ˈɡlɪmər

nounmediumCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A faint, unsteady light or a suggestion of a quality.

ˈɡlɪmər

nounneutralmedium
General

A faint or unsteady light.

A glimmer of light peeked through the curtains at dawn.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're in a dark room, and you see a tiny spark of light. That's a glimmer! It's like a little hint of something bright, even if it's not much.

👶 For kids: A little bit of light that isn't very bright.

More Examples

2

Despite the challenges, a glimmer of hope remained.

3

The faint glimmer from the distant lighthouse guided the ship.

How It's Used

Literary

"A glimmer of moonlight filtered through the trees."

Everyday

"There was a glimmer of hope in her eyes."

2

To shine faintly or unsteadily; to give off a glimmer of light.

ˈɡlɪmər

verbneutralmedium
General

To shine or reflect a faint, unsteady light.

The candlelight glimmered on the antique table.

💡 Simply: Imagine tiny lights that twinkle a little bit. When something *glimmers*, it's like it's softly shining, not super bright, like a firefly's light.

👶 For kids: To shine a little bit, like a star.

More Examples

2

Her diamond necklace glimmered in the sunlight.

3

The city lights glimmered in the distance.

How It's Used

Literary

"The stars glimmered in the night sky."

Poetic

"Her eyes glimmered with unshed tears."

Tip:Picture something barely shining, like a distant star.

Idioms & expressions

a glimmer of hope

A small amount of hope or optimism.

"Despite the setbacks, there was still a glimmer of hope that they could win the game."

From Middle English *glimmeren*, likely related to Old English *glimian* ('to gleam').

The word 'glimmer' has been used since the Middle Ages and frequently appears in literature to create vivid imagery of light and emotion.

Memory tip

Think of a small light barely able to shine through the darkness.

glimerglimmering

Usage

45%Spoken
55%Written