Definitions
01shining with light
A2 · Elementary
adj. shining with many small, bright flashes of light.
adj. reflecting light in a series of brief, bright flashes.
“The sparkling blue water of the swimming pool looked very inviting in the sun.”
“The sunlight hit the fresh snow, creating a sparkling landscape that stretched toward the horizon.”
Synonyms
02fizzy drinks
A2 · Elementary Cooking
adj. containing many small bubbles of gas.
adj. containing dissolved carbon dioxide that forms bubbles; effervescent.
“Would you like still or sparkling water with your meal?”
“The waiter served a chilled sparkling cider that complemented the acidity of the green apple tart.”
Synonyms
03lively personality
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. full of energy, intelligence, and wit.
adj. demonstrating high levels of wit, vivacity, or brilliance in social interaction.
“She has a sparkling personality and always makes people laugh at parties.”
“The dinner conversation was sparkling, ranging from lighthearted anecdotes to deep philosophical debates.”
04fizzy water or wine
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Cooking Informal
n. a drink that has bubbles in it, like sparkling water or wine.
n. a carbonated beverage, typically referring to sparkling water or sparkling wine in an elliptical sense.
“I'll just have a glass of sparkling with a slice of lemon, please.”
“After the ceremony, the guests gathered on the terrace for a glass of sparkling and some light appetizers.”
Etymology
By surface analysis, sparkle + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0