sparkling

American  

[spahrk-ling] / ˈspɑrk lɪŋ /

adjective

1. shining with flashing points or gleams of reflected light, as the ocean or a faceted gemstone.

2. (of liquids) effervescent; carbonated; fizzy.

   sparkling water.

3. brilliant, lively, or vivacious.

   sparkling conversation.

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Etymology

Origin of sparkling

First recorded in 1350–1400; sparkl(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Explanation

Something that's sparkling shines or glints with many little lights. You might say that the starry night sky is sparkling. You can describe someone's eyes as sparkling, if they twinkle with light, or admire the sparkling lights on your friend's Christmas tree. Another way to use the adjective sparkling is to describe a carbonated beverage, like sparkling wine or sparkling cider. Any fizzy, bubbly drink is sparkling. People have used sparkling to describe wine and eyes since the fifteenth century, and it comes from the Old English spearca, "glowing or fiery particle thrown off."

Example Sentences

One rib bone from a deer-like animal contained sparkling calcite crystals that turned out to be crucial for dating the site.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2026

A pair of pink, sparkling high-heeled boots flashes across the screen, reminiscent of a classic montage from HBO’s “The Wire.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

“The Devil Wears Prada 2” boasts even more luxury and sparkling opulence than its predecessor.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

This will be Sciver-Brunt's seventh T20 World Cup and an eighth for Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who has been in sparkling form for Surrey this season with 258 runs in three innings.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

I try to break into a run on the sparkling sand, but it’s easier said than done.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Related Words

• animated
• bright
• brilliant
• dazzling
• glistening
• glittering
• lively
• scintillating
• shimmering
• shining
• spirited
• starry