English Reference

Word

sparkling

US/ˈspɑɹkəɫɪŋ/

UK/spˈɑːklɪŋ/

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.”

Antonyms

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.”

Antonyms

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.”

Antonyms

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.”

Synonyms

Etymology

By surface analysis, sparkle + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

sparkling(A2)

This entry

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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