English · Word Candidate

glitter

/ˈɡlɪtə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: glitters · glittering · glittered

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A bright, sparkling light; shininess or brilliance.

Noun

Examples

As yet there had been no symptom of the news having any better foundation than in the fears of those who brought it, but The Boot had not been deserted five minutes, when there appeared, coming across the fields, a body of men who, it was easy to see, by the glitter of their arms and ornaments in th

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A shiny, decorative adornment, sometimes sprinkled on glue to make simple artwork.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To sparkle with light; to shine with a brilliant and broken light or showy luster; to gleam.

Verb

Examples

a glittering sword

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To be showy, specious, or striking, and hence attractive.

Verb

Examples

the glittering scenes of a court

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “glitter” mean?

A bright, sparkling light; shininess or brilliance.

Is “glitter” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.