Sparkle
/ˈspɑːrkəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo shine with flashes of light; to glisten.
/ˈspɑːrkəl/
To shine with many small flashes of light.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
💡 Simply: Think of the way glitter or the stars look – they sparkle! It's like lots of tiny lights are flashing.
👶 For kids: To shine with little twinkles, like a star!
More Examples
The Christmas lights sparkled brightly.
The champagne sparkled in the glasses.
How It's Used
"The diamonds sparkled under the spotlight."
"The river sparkled in the morning sun."
A flash or gleam of light; a lively brilliance.
/ˈspɑːrkəl/
A flash or gleam of light.
The ring had a beautiful sparkle.
💡 Simply: It's like a tiny, quick flash of light or the feeling of excitement and energy.
👶 For kids: A tiny flash of light, like when a star twinkles.
More Examples
There was a sparkle in her eyes when she talked about her trip.
The city lights had a magical sparkle at night.
How It's Used
"A sudden sparkle caught her eye."
"His presentation lacked sparkle."
Idioms & expressions
sparkle and shine
To appear attractive and full of energy.
"She always wants to sparkle and shine when she goes on a date."
lose its sparkle
To become less interesting or exciting.
"After a few years, the job lost its sparkle."
From Middle English *sparkelen*, from Old English *spærcolian* ('to sparkle, glitter'), related to *spærcol* ('spark').
Used since the 14th century, referring to a glint or a shimmer of light.
Memory tip
Imagine a firework – it SPARKLES as it explodes with tiny lights.
Word Origin
"A tiny spark or gleam."