What does "sparkling" mean?

1. (shining with light) shining with many small, bright flashes of light. 2. (fizzy drinks) containing many small bubbles of gas. 3. (lively personality) full of energy, intelligence, and wit. 4. (fizzy water or wine) a drink that has bubbles in it, like sparkling water or wine.

sparkling

adj. · n.

US //ˈspɑɹkəɫɪŋ// UK //spˈɑːklɪŋ// sparkling

1 shining with light (adj.)
A2 Elementary

shining with many small, bright flashes of light.

reflecting light in a series of brief, bright flashes.

Example

The sparkling blue water of the swimming pool looked very inviting in the sun.

Example

The sunlight hit the fresh snow, creating a sparkling landscape that stretched toward the horizon.
- dull
- matte
2 fizzy drinks (adj.)
A2 Elementary Cooking

containing many small bubbles of gas.

containing dissolved carbon dioxide that forms bubbles; effervescent.

Example

Would you like still or sparkling water with your meal?

Example

The waiter served a chilled sparkling cider that complemented the acidity of the green apple tart.
- still
- flat

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3 lively personality (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

full of energy, intelligence, and wit.

demonstrating high levels of wit, vivacity, or brilliance in social interaction.

Example

She has a sparkling personality and always makes people laugh at parties.

Example

The dinner conversation was sparkling, ranging from lighthearted anecdotes to deep philosophical debates.
- vivacious
- witty
- animated
- boring
- dull
4 fizzy water or wine (n.)
B1 Intermediate Informal Cooking

a drink that has bubbles in it, like sparkling water or wine.

a carbonated beverage, typically referring to sparkling water or sparkling wine in an elliptical sense.

Example

I'll just have a glass of sparkling with a slice of lemon, please.

Example

After the ceremony, the guests gathered on the terrace for a glass of sparkling and some light appetizers.
- fizz
- bubbly

Origin

By surface analysis, sparkle + -ing.