twinkle

/ˈtwɪŋkl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtwɪŋkl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈtwiŋ-kəl/ (ame, mw) · /ˈtwɪŋ.kəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtwɪŋ.kəl/ (ame, ipa)

twinkle — verb

  • twinklepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • twinkleshe / she / it
  • twinkledpast simple
  • twinkling-ing form

1. to shine in tiny bright flashes rather than as one steady light.

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to shine in tiny bright flashes rather than as one steady light.

例句

Small stars twinkled above the fishing boats before dawn.

stars twinkle above [place]

The string lights twinkled across the balcony during Selim's birthday dinner.

lights twinkle across [place]

同義詞
  • sparkle

    often sounds brighter and more decorative than twinkle

  • flicker

    suggests a less steady and sometimes weaker light

  • glitter

    often implies many sharp shining points, especially on a surface

反義詞
  • glow steadily

    describes a smooth even light without quick bright flashes

文法句型

stars twinkle

lights twinkle

twinkle on the water

用法筆記

Usually used for stars, lights, water, glass, or jewelry that catches light in quick bright points. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about a person's eyes looking bright with feeling.

常見錯誤

❌The lamp twinkled steadily all night.
✅The lamp glowed steadily all night.
💡twinkle suggests repeated tiny changes in brightness, not a smooth steady light.

2. if someone's eyes twinkle, they look bright and lively because the person feels

2.動詞不及物C1
釋義

if someone's eyes twinkle, they look bright and lively because the person feels pleased, amused, or excited.

例句

Jabari's eyes twinkled when his daughter showed him the drawing.

eyes twinkle when pleased

Mizuki's eyes twinkled as the band began her favorite song.

同義詞
  • sparkle

    is close in meaning but can sound a little stronger or more dramatic

  • shine

    is broader and does not always suggest warm feeling

  • gleam

    can suggest a quieter or more secretive bright look

反義詞
  • look dull

    describes eyes with no lively brightness

文法句型

eyes twinkle

twinkle at someone

twinkle with amusement

用法筆記

This sense is mostly used with eyes and often suggests warmth, humor, or eager interest. It does not simply mean that someone is looking at something.

常見錯誤

❌Grandpa twinkled his eyes at the children.
✅Grandpa's eyes twinkled at the children.
💡this sense describes how the eyes look, not an action done to them.

twinkle — noun