shimmer

1 of 2

verb

shim·​mer ˈshi-mər 

shimmered; shimmering ˈshi-mə-riŋ 

ˈshim-riŋ

intransitive verb

1

: to shine with a soft tremulous or fitful light : glimmer

2

: to reflect a wavering sometimes distorted visual image

transitive verb

: to cause to shimmer

shimmer

2 of 2

noun

1

: a light that shimmers : subdued sparkle or sheen : glimmer

2

: a wavering sometimes distorted visual image usually resulting from heat-induced changes in atmospheric refraction

shimmery

ˈshi-mə-rē 

ˈshim-rē

adjective

Synonyms

Verb

• coruscate
• flame
• flash
• glance
• gleam
• glimmer
• glint
• glisten
• glister
• glitter
• luster
• lustre
• scintillate
• spangle
• sparkle
• twinkle
• wink
• winkle

Choose the Right Synonym for shimmer

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

Examples of shimmer in a Sentence

Verb

The road shimmered in the heat.

a sequined dress shimmering under the studio lights

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Simply update your current greenery with metallic accents by spraying add-ons like pinecones and magnolia leaves in shimmering gold or silver. —Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2024

In the primary bedroom, a mirror framed in shimmering 23-karat gold appears to float beneath dentil crown molding, and in the wife’s dressing room, another vintage Murano chandelier hangs from a ceiling panel hand-embroidered by artist Sophie Coryndon. —Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 1 Dec. 2024

Noun

Available in two colorways, each palette contains six powders: two matte blushes, two matte bronzers, and two shimmer highlighters. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

The Glow-and-Go Kit ($78 down from $110) is a perfect introduction to the brand, with creamy shimmer sticks, a mascara, a gloss, and a multipurpose liner. —Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English schimeren, from Old English scimerian; akin to Old English scīnan to shine — more at shine

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

shimmer

verb

shim·​mer

ˈshim-ər

shimmered; shimmering

-(ə-)riŋ

: to shine with a wavering light : glimmer

shimmer noun