What does glittering mean?
Glittering describes something that shines with many bright, shifting points of light, as a glittering necklace, window, or expanse of frost may do. It can also characterize a person, occasion, prize, or prospect as exceptionally splendid and impressive. This figurative use often carries a hint of criticism: a glittering offer or reputation may promise great wealth or distinction while remaining largely superficial. Because the word is the present participle of the verb glitter, it also follows normal participial syntax, as in “the candles were glittering in the dark.” Its combination of physical brightness and metaphorical splendor makes it useful for describing appearances that attract attention, whether attractive or deceptive. The word is common in formal and literary contexts as well as ordinary speech, though figurative uses tend to be especially effective when the writer wishes to suggest ostentation or an uncertain promise.
adjectiveShining or sparkling with reflected points of light; by extension, appearing dazzlingly splendid, wealthy, or successful, often with a suggestion of ostentation.
- Shining with a bright, shifting, sparkling light.
- Appearing exceptionally splendid, wealthy, or successful, sometimes in a way that suggests showiness or superficial appeal.
"A glittering display of diamonds drew the crowd toward the window."
"Her shoes were glittering with tiny crystals."
"The company offered its staff a glittering future while announcing major layoffs."
Glittering can celebrate dazzling splendor—or quietly hint that the splendor is only surface shine.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glittering come from?
The modern English participle belongs to the verb glitter, which descends from Old English glītan, meaning “to shine, glitter,” through Middle English gliten. The -ing form became established as an adjective for something bright and sparkling and was extended figuratively to describe dazzling splendor. Related words such as glisten and glister reflect the same wider Germanic inheritance of a root associated with shining.
Related word forms
How glittering is actually used
As a present participle, it can also carry ordinary verb syntax, as in “the stars were glittering.” In figurative use, it is often slightly critical or cautionary, especially when describing wealth, promise, reputation, or publicity that appears dazzling but may lack substance.
Easily confused with glittering
Glinting suggests a brief, sharp flash, whereas glittering describes a surface that shines with many shifting points of light.