rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysparkleFlashes of light
noun / verb

sparkle

SPAR-kuhl/ˈspɑːrkl/

Bright points of flashing light.

Sharp flashes of light make the faceted crystal sparkle.

Faceted clear crystal jewel catches light with several tiny sharp white star glints along facets, pale blue and lilac washes, visibly shining in small flashes.
Etymology
sparkMiddle Englishto emit sparks
+leEnglishrepeated or small actions

The spark verb and repetitive ending describe giving off sparks repeatedly. This developed into shining as though emitting sparks—the small bright flashes need not be actual fiery particles.

In context

RapidSmartFacts0:00
Ever see floating dust sparkle [music] in a beam of sunlight?
Why Dust Particles Float in Sunbeams (Crepuscular Rays Explained) | RapidSmartFacts

More examples

  • The lake sparkles in the afternoon sun.
  • Tiny sparkles of light dance across the ceiling.
  • Her earrings sparkled as she turned her head.

Forms

sparkle · sparkles · sparkled · sparkling

sparkly adjective — Shining with small flashes of light.

Similar words

glitter
Often suggests many sharp flashes from a reflective surface.
shimmer
Suggests a softer, wavering light rather than distinct flashes.
glint
Usually means a single brief flash of reflected light.