sparkling

/ˈspɑɹkl̩ɪŋ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: sparklings

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of an object, reflecting light as if giving off tiny sparks or flashes of light.

Adjective

Examples

"Methinks 't were sweet once more to see Our native forest shade, And the wild streamlet leaping free Along the sparkling glade,...

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

Of a beverage, especially an alcoholic beverage, containing dissolved carbon dioxide (either naturally or that has been added) that comes out of solution in the form of many tiny bubbles.

Adjective

Sources & notes

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

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Act or appearance of something that sparkles; a sparkle; a gleam.

Noun

Examples

Bright are the sparklings that beam from the dew.

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

A sparkling wine.

Noun

Examples

Wines like this struggle to stand out on the show circuit, where the judges are more likely to be searching for sparklings designed in the classic Champagne mould.

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 “sparkling” mean?

Of an object, reflecting light as if giving off tiny sparks or flashes of light.

Is “sparkling” formal or informal?

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