First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1glisten
verb glis·ten \ˈgli-sən\
: to shine with light reflected off a wet surface
glis·tenedglis·ten·ing \ˈgli-sən-iŋ\
Full Definition of GLISTEN
intransitive verb
: to give off a sparkling or lustrous reflection of or as if of a moist or polished surface
See glisten defined for English-language learners
See glisten defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GLISTEN
Middle English glistnen, from Old English glisnian; akin to Old English glisian to glitter, geolu yellow — more at yellow
Related to GLISTEN
Synonym Discussion of GLISTEN
flash, gleam, glint, sparkle, glitter, glisten, glimmer, shimmer mean to send forth light. flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light <lightning flashed>. gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background <lights gleamed in the valley>. glint implies a cold glancing light <glinting steel>. sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light <the sparkling waters>. glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming <glittering diamonds>. glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface <glistening wet sidewalk>. glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam <a distant glimmering light>. shimmer means shining with a wavering light <a shimmering satin dress>.
2glisten
noun
GLISTEN Defined for Kids
glisten
verb glis·ten \ˈgli-sən\
glis·tenedglis·ten·ing
Definition of GLISTEN for Kids
: to shine with a soft reflected light
Learn More About GLISTEN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: glisteninglyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: glissileAll Words Near: glisten
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up glisten? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).