twinkle

[ twing-kuhl ]

verb (used without object)

, twin·kled, twin·kling.

1. to shine with a flickering gleam of light, as a star or distant light.
2. to sparkle in the light:

   The diamond on her finger twinkled in the firelight.

3. (of the eyes) to be bright with amusement, pleasure, etc.
4. to move flutteringly and quickly, as flashes of light; flit.
5. Archaic. to wink; blink.

verb (used with object)

, twin·kled, twin·kling.

1. to emit (light) in intermittent gleams or flashes.
2. Archaic. to wink (the eyes or eyelids).

noun

1. a flickering or intermittent brightness or light.
2. a scintillating brightness in the eyes; sparkle.
3. the time required for a wink; a twinkling.
4. Archaic. a wink.

twinkle

/ ˈtwɪŋkəl /

verb

1. to emit or reflect light in a flickering manner; shine brightly and intermittently; sparkle

   twinkling stars

2. (of the eyes) to sparkle, esp with amusement or delight
3. rare.
   to move about quickly
4. rare.
   also tr to wink (the eyes); blink

noun

1. an intermittent gleam of light; flickering brightness; sparkle or glimmer
2. an instant
3. See wink
   a rare word for wink 1

Derived Forms

• ˈtwinkly, adjective
• ˈtwinkler, noun

Other Words From

• twinkler noun
• un·twinkled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of twinkle¹

before 900; Middle English twinklen (v.), Old English twinclian; twink, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of twinkle¹

Old English twinclian ; related to Middle High German zwinken to blink

Example Sentences

Sometimes, all you need is a bunch of basic twinkle lights to serve traditional uses like tree decorating.

From Popular-Science

For these cases, consider twinkle lights that operate with a battery pack or a solar panel to ensure that your out-of-reach areas never have to go without light.

From Popular-Science

If you’re looking to light up a tree, a patio, a garden, or the trim in your home in a unique way, there’s no better option than twinkle lights.

From Popular-Science

We’ve selected the best twinkle lights and outlined all the key considerations so you can get straight to decorating.

From Popular-Science

He had more twinkle in his eye that one might expect for a man possessed by planetary demise.

From ProPublica

Mr. Twinkle was followed by Jack, who could not help smiling at the dense ignorance displayed by the previous speakers.

From Project Gutenberg

The entrance at this moment of five additional members of the club, effectually disposed of Mr. Twinkle's point of order.

From Project Gutenberg

Captain Cannon and Mr. Twinkle were in high spirits, and even Mr. Mole looked forward to some excellent sport.

From Project Gutenberg

It was observable that Mr. Twinkle trembled violently and could scarcely hold his gun.

From Project Gutenberg

He threw himself down in the long grass, while Captain Cannon retired behind the unfortunate Twinkle.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blink
• flicker
• gleam
• glint
• glisten
• glitter
• glow
• illuminate
• light up
• shimmer
• sparkle
• wink