glisten

[ glis-uhn ]

verb (used without object)

1. to reflect a sparkling light or a faint intermittent glow; shine lustrously.

   Synonyms: glitter, gleam, glimmer

noun

1. a glistening; sparkle.

glisten

/ ˈɡlɪsən /

verb

1. (of a wet or glossy surface) to gleam by reflecting light

   wet leaves glisten in the sunlight

2. (of light) to reflect with brightness

   the sunlight glistens on wet leaves

noun

1. rare.
   a gleam or gloss

Derived Forms

• ˈglisteningly, adverb

Other Words From

• glisten·ing·ly adverb
• un·glisten·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of glisten¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English glis(t)nen (verb), Old English glisnian, derivative of glisian “to glitter; ” -en ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of glisten¹

Old English glisnian; related to glisian to glitter, Middle High German glistern

Synonym Study

Glisten, shimmer, sparkle refer to different ways in which light is reflected from surfaces. Glisten refers to a lustrous light, as from something sleek or wet, or it may refer to myriads of tiny gleams reflected from small surfaces: Wet fur glistens. Snow glistens in the sunlight. Shimmer refers to the changing play of light on a (generally moving) surface, as of water or silk: Moonbeams shimmer on water. Silk shimmers in a high light. To sparkle is to give off sparks or small ignited particles, or to send forth small but brilliant gleams, sometimes by reflection: A diamond sparkles with numerous points of light.

Example Sentences

The dragon’s metallic horns glisten as much as its blue glittery skin.

From Literature

Birds chirp happily and golden sunrays glisten on morning dewdrops.

From Literature

Rubies glisten along the limbs.

From Literature

At fish counters across Long Island, imported salmon fillets glisten in greater profusion than local mackerel and black sea bass.

From New York Times

Why eyes glisten as people rise from their seats when the orchestra reaches the rousing conclusion.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flicker
• gleam
• glimmer
• glint
• glitter
• glow
• shine
• sparkle
• twinkle