twinkle
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for twinkle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To shine with a flickering, sparkling light.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
How to use twinkle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English twinclian ("to twinkle"), built from an older word for winking or blinking plus a suffix suggesting repeated small movements.
Full origin of twinkle →Frequently asked questions
What does “twinkle” mean?
The word “twinkle” means to shine with a flickering, sparkling light. In plain terms, to sparkle with flickering light, or a look of amusement in someone's eyes.
How do you pronounce “twinkle”?
“Twinkle” is pronounced TWIHNG-kuhl (/ˈtwɪŋ.kəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “twinkle” in a sentence?
Here is “twinkle” used in a sentence: “The stars twinkled brightly over the desert.”
What part of speech is “twinkle”?
Depending on how it is used, “twinkle” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “twinkle” come from?
The word “twinkle” comes from Old English. From Old English twinclian ("to twinkle"), built from an older word for winking or blinking plus a suffix suggesting repeated small movements.
Is “twinkle” a common word?
“Twinkle” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “twinkle” have?
“Twinkle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to shine with a flickering, sparkling light.