twinkle

/ˈtwɪŋkəl/

/ˈtwɪŋkəl/

Other forms: twinkling; twinkled; twinkles

To twinkle is to sparkle and shine with a flickering light. A night sky in a dark place appears to be filled with stars that twinkle, almost like diamonds in the sky.

Stars aren't the only things that twinkle. People whose eyes seem to glimmer with a magical or playful charm can be described as having a twinkle in their eyes. Holiday lights that flicker and flash, gemstones that sparkle in the light, and shimmering fairy lights strung across a patio are examples of other things that twinkle.

Definitions of twinkle

1. verb

   gleam or glow intermittently
   synonyms: blink, flash, wink, winkle

   types:

   flick, flicker

   flash intermittently

   type of:

   radiate

   cause to be seen by emitting light as if in rays
2. verb

   emit or reflect light in a flickering manner
   “Does a constellation twinkle more brightly than a single star?”

   synonyms: scintillate, winkle

   scintillate

   give off

   type of:

   beam, shine

   emit light; be bright, as of the sun or a light
3. noun

   a rapid change in brightness; a brief spark or flash
   synonyms: scintillation, sparkling

   type of:

   alteration, change, modification

   an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
4. noun

   merriment expressed by a brightness or gleam or animation of countenance
   “there's a perpetual twinkle in his eyes”

   synonyms: light, spark, sparkle

   type of:

   verve, vitality

   an energetic style

   aspect, expression, face, facial expression, look

   the feelings expressed on a person's face