glittery

IPA/ˈɡlɪtəri/
KK[ɡlˈɪtɚi]IPA/ˈɡlɪtəri/

glittery — adjective

  • glitterypositive
  • more glitterycomparative
  • most glitterysuperlative

1. covered with many small shiny pieces that sparkle or reflect light, creating a b

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

covered with many small shiny pieces that sparkle or reflect light, creating a bright, often decorative or festive appearance

Example

Mei Chen wore a glittery dress to the New Year's Eve party downtown.

collocation: glittery dress

The boutique owner arranged glittery cushions on the window display shelf.

inanimate subject with role-based possessor

Common collocations
  • glittery dress
  • glittery costume
  • glittery decorations
  • glittery fabric
  • glittery surface
  • glittery makeup
  • glittery wrapping paper
  • glittery accessories
Synonyms
  • sparkly

    more informal; equally common for fashion and decorations

  • shiny

    broader meaning; not limited to tiny point-reflections, can refer to any smooth reflective surface

  • glittering

    slightly more formal or literary; often used for light reflecting off water, jewels, or city lights

Antonyms
  • dull

    opposite in terms of light reflection; no shine or sparkle

  • matte

    specifically a non-reflective finish, unlike glittery surfaces

Usage Note

Often used for decorations, clothing, and party items that are designed to catch light. Less formal than 'glittering' and more common in everyday conversation about fashion, crafts, or celebrations.

Common Mistakes

The diamond was glittery' (for a single gem).
The diamond was glittering
'glittery' usually describes surfaces covered with many tiny sparkly particles rather than one large gem's brilliance.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All three words describe surfaces that reflect light, but they differ in scope and register. 'Glittery' and 'sparkly' are close synonyms — both are informal and suggest many tiny points of reflected light, as on costume jewellery, party decorations, or glitter-coated crafts. 'Sparkly' leans slightly more toward a playful, childlike tone. 'Shiny' is the broadest of the three: it covers any smooth, light-reflecting surface, from a polished floor to a new car, and does not imply multiple tiny sparkles. 'Glittering' is a step up in formality and is often found in literary or descriptive writing — think of glittering stars, glittering city lights, or glittering jewels. For everyday conversation about fashion or party items, 'glittery' and 'sparkly' are the most natural choices.

sparklyshiny ↗glittering ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • glittery in the light
  • covered in glittery something

Etymology

Old NorseMiddle EnglishEnglish

Formed by adding the suffix '-y' (meaning 'having the quality of') to the noun 'glitter', which comes from Middle English 'gliteren', likely from Old Norse 'glitra' (to shine). The '-y' suffix turns the noun into an adjective meaning 'having a glittering surface or appearance'.