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

While the cropped version comes in just two shades—black and cream—the standard variety comes in 12 hues, three of which have shimmer for a slightly more formal feel for work or even a night out with friends. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Dec. 2024

Willie fell asleep instantly, but Eliza stayed awake into the silent hours, watching the shimmer of moonbright river on the wall and the ceiling. —Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 8 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