noun

twinkling

TWIHNGK-lihng

Twinkling (noun) means a very brief moment, notionally as short as the blink of an eye. Example: “The whole plan fell apart in the twinkling of an eye.”

noun

A very brief moment, notionally as short as the blink of an eye.

"The whole plan fell apart in the twinkling of an eye."

A shimmering, intermittent glow of light.

"The lake showed the twinkling of moonlight on its surface."

How to use twinkling

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn instant, or a sparkling flicker of light.

Common pairings

in the twinkling of an eye

Word forms

more twinkling comparative, twinklings plural, most twinkling superlative

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The whole plan fell apart in the _____ of an eye.

Etymology

From Middle English twynkelynge, equivalent to twinkle + -ing.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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flash instant heartbeat wink jiffy trice split second blink of an eye

Related words

minute ray immediate flash sudden instant Mo urgent

Rhymes for twinkling

inkling tinkling sprinkling

See all rhymes for twinkling →

Frequently asked questions

What does “twinkling” mean?

The word “twinkling” means a very brief moment, notionally as short as the blink of an eye. In plain terms, an instant, or a sparkling flicker of light.

How do you pronounce “twinkling”?

“Twinkling” is pronounced TWIHNGK-lihng (/ˈtwɪŋklɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “twinkling” in a sentence?

Here is “twinkling” used in a sentence: “The whole plan fell apart in the twinkling of an eye.”

What part of speech is “twinkling”?

“Twinkling” is a noun.

How many meanings does “twinkling” have?

“Twinkling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a very brief moment, notionally as short as the blink of an eye.

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