# sparkling

/ˈspɑɹkəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /spˈɑːklɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. shining with light

adjective · CEFR A2

shining with many small, bright flashes of light.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. fizzy drinks

adjective · CEFR A2

containing many small bubbles of gas.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. lively personality

adjective · CEFR B2

full of energy, intelligence, and wit.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. fizzy water or wine

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The lake is sparkling in the morning sun.
- She wore a sparkling diamond necklace that caught everyone's attention as she entered the ballroom.
- The novelist was celebrated for her sparkling wit and ability to craft dialogue that felt both intellectually sharp and effortlessly natural.

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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.