glitter
11 synonyms for glitter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Tiny, shiny decorative particles, or a sparkling light.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Tiny, shiny decorative particles, or a sparkling light.
“She covered the card in glitter for the party.”
How to use glitter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
glitter and glue
glitter in the sunlight
covered in glitter
Etymology
From Old Norse glitra, "to glitter," from a Germanic root shared with words for shining or gleaming.
Full origin of glitter →Frequently asked questions
What does “glitter” mean?
The word “glitter” means tiny, shiny decorative particles, or a sparkling light. In plain terms, sparkly light or sparkly decoration, or to shine that way.
How do you pronounce “glitter”?
“Glitter” is pronounced GLIH-tuh (/ˈɡlɪtəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “glitter” in a sentence?
Here is “glitter” used in a sentence: “She covered the card in glitter for the party.”
What part of speech is “glitter”?
Depending on how it is used, “glitter” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “glitter” come from?
The word “glitter” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse glitra, "to glitter," from a Germanic root shared with words for shining or gleaming.
Is “glitter” a common word?
“Glitter” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “glitter” have?
“Glitter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: tiny, shiny decorative particles, or a sparkling light.
What is the difference between "glitter" and "sparkle"?
As a verb, "glitter" describes shining with a bright, flickering light, often from many small points, while "sparkle" can describe a similar flickering brightness but is also used more broadly for liveliness or wit. As a noun, "glitter" specifically refers to the tiny shiny decorative particles used in crafts and makeup, a meaning "sparkle" does not share.
What is the difference between "glitter" and "glisten"?
"Glitter" describes a flickering, sparkling light, often from many tiny reflective points, while "glisten" describes a smoother, wet or polished shine, like skin or water in sunlight. Glitter suggests multiple flashes of light; glisten suggests a single, glossy sheen.
