twinkling

[ twing-kling ]

noun

1. an act of shining with intermittent gleams of light.
2. the time required for a wink; an instant.
3. Archaic. winking; a wink.

twinkling

/ ˈtwɪŋklɪŋ; twɪŋk /

noun

1. a very short time; instant; moment Also calledtwinkling of an eye

Other Words From

• un·twinkling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of twinkling¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; twinkle, -ing ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see in the twinkling of an eye .

Example Sentences

Grant chooses goofy professor over, say, conflicted wannabe monk, and offers, if nothing else, a reminder that a boyish smile and twinkling blue eyes are simply quirks of genetics rather than reflections of humanity.

From Los Angeles Times

During the day, Zoox riders can view the sky through the sunroof, while at night the ceiling is illuminated with small, twinkling lights à la a starry sky.

From Los Angeles Times

In the Fountain production directed by Simon Levy, the role of Daniel Blake is played by JD Cullum, an accomplished local stage veteran with a twinkling amiability.

From Los Angeles Times

Those stories are all delivered with a twinkling eye-roll as if to say "Oh that wacky Trump, there he goes again" as if it's just a funny little anecdote, apropos of nothing.

From Salon

Dunne, dressed in navy blue pants and a navy blue sweater, cheered them all on, his blue eyes twinkling beneath a pale pink baseball cap.

From Los Angeles Times