# glitter

/ˈɡɫɪtɝ/ (US) · /ɡlˈɪtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/glitter
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. decorative material

noun · CEFR B1

tiny, shiny pieces of plastic or metal used to make things look sparkly.

For teachers: a decorative material consisting of numerous tiny, reflective particles, typically applied with adhesive to surfaces.

- The children used gold glitter to decorate their handmade Christmas cards.
- The costume designer applied fine silver glitter to the fabric to ensure it would catch the stage lights during the opening number.

Usage: Usually uncountable when referring to the material in bulk.

### 2. sparkling light

noun · CEFR B2

a bright, sparkling light that comes from a shiny surface.

For teachers: a bright, shimmering, or sparkling light reflected from a surface.

- She loved the glitter of the sun on the ocean waves.
- The sudden glitter of the diamond caught his eye even in the dimly lit hallway.

### 3. glamour or showiness

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

an exciting or attractive quality that seems fancy but might be shallow.

For teachers: superficial attractiveness or showy brilliance; often used to describe the shallow glamour of fame.

- Behind the glitter of the film industry, many actors work very hard.
- The young novelist was quickly disillusioned by the hollow glitter of the city's high-society parties.

### 4. to sparkle

verb · CEFR B1

to shine with many small, bright flashes of light.

For teachers: to reflect light in small, brilliant flashes; to sparkle or gleam.

- The snow glittered under the bright winter sun.
- The city lights glittered like a thousand tiny jewels spread across the valley floor below the mountain pass.

Usage: An intransitive verb that does not take a direct object.

## Examples

- She put glitter on her nails.
- The children covered the card with gold glitter.
- The stage lights caught the glitter in her dress, creating a dazzling display that drew every eye in the room.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.