rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryshimmerSoft wavering light
noun / verb

shimmer

SHIM-er/ˈʃɪmər/

A soft, wavering shine, or to shine this way.

Moonlight gives the gently rippling lake a soft shimmer.

Soft moonlight shimmers across gently rippling water, its reflection broken into wavering, irregular silver bands.
Etymology
shimmerOld Englishto glitter, shine

Old English scimerian meant “glitter” or “shine.” By Middle English, the verb described a veiled, tremulous light—the same soft, unsteady effect meant today.

In context

Site-42257:51
the stars in the night sky twinkle and shimmer
READING ALL SCP-7000 CONTEST ENTRIES PART 2

More examples

  • Her silk scarf shimmers as she turns toward the window.
  • The curtains have a subtle shimmer in the sunlight.
  • Tiny lights shimmer through the falling snow.

Forms

shimmer · shimmers · shimmered · shimmering

shimmery adjective — Shining with a soft, wavering light.

Similar words

glimmer
Emphasizes faint light rather than a wavering shine.
glisten
Usually describes reflected light on a wet or glossy surface.
sparkle
Suggests distinct, bright flashes rather than a soft, wavering shine.