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Sparkling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sparkling

[ˈspɑːrk(ə)lɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a drink

giving off or reflecting bright light; shining

Synonyms

glistening, glittering, shining, twinkling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sparkling

Used to describe something emitting bright flashes of light or something bubbly and lively. Often used for beverages and festive items.

  • The lake was sparkling in the sunlight.
  • She poured a glass of sparkling water.
shining

Describes a constant and strong light source or when something is bright and clean. Often used to describe the sun, stars, or well-polished objects.

  • The sun is shining brightly today.
  • His shoes were shining after he polished them.
glittering

Refers to something that is shiny and dazzling, often with small, bright flashes. Commonly used for events, fashion, and decorations.

  • She wore a glittering dress to the party.
  • The night sky was glittering with stars.
twinkling

Used for small, repeated flashes of light that create a magical or distant effect. Often describes stars or fairy lights.

  • The stars were twinkling in the night sky.
  • The Christmas lights were twinkling on the tree.
glistening

Used when something is wet or oily and reflects light, giving it a smooth, shiny look.

  • The grass was glistening with dew.
  • His forehead was glistening with sweat.

Examples of usage

  • The champagne was sparkling in the sunlight.
  • The sparkling water looked refreshing.
Context #2 | Noun

describing a type of wine

a wine with bubbles of carbon dioxide gas

Synonyms

bubbly, effervescent, fizzy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sparkling

Used to describe something that shines with light or is very lively and attractive, often used for water and wine.

  • The diamond was sparkling under the light.
  • Would you like some sparkling water with your meal?
effervescent

Describes a liquid that has bubbles or a person who is lively and full of enthusiasm. Often used in a more descriptive or literary context.

  • The effervescent drink tickled my nose.
  • His effervescent charm won everyone over.
bubbly

Commonly used to describe a person who is cheerful and full of energy, or a beverage with bubbles, like champagne.

  • Her bubbly personality made everyone feel happy.
  • Let's celebrate with a glass of bubbly.
fizzy

Mostly used to describe beverages with bubbles, such as soda or champagne. It can sometimes imply a less sophisticated or more casual context.

  • He opened a fizzy drink to quench his thirst.
  • The soda is too fizzy for my taste.

Examples of usage

  • She ordered a glass of sparkling wine for the toast.
  • Do you prefer red or white sparkling wine?

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Sparkling water gets its fizz from carbon dioxide, which forms bubbles when pressure is released.
  • The phenomenon of sparkling can also refer to light reflecting off surfaces, like sunlight breaking through water ripples.
  • Crystals and gemstones often have sparkling qualities due to refraction, making them appear to shine and twinkle.

Pop Culture

  • Sparkling beverages, like champagne, are often associated with celebrations and special occasions in many cultures.
  • In the world of animation, characters are sometimes depicted with a sparkling effect to show happiness or excitement.
  • Sparkling makeup products are trendy in beauty, providing a shimmering effect to enhance facial features.

Literature

  • In poetry, 'sparkling' is often used to describe stars or the beauty of nature, evoking a sense of magic and wonder.
  • Authors frequently use the word to convey liveliness and joy, painting images of vibrant scenes.
  • Classic fairy tales often describe enchanted settings with sparkling elements to create a whimsical atmosphere.

Art

  • Artists use sparkling techniques, such as glitter or metallic paints, to add dimension and vibrancy to their work.
  • The Impressionists captured sparkling effects in nature by using quick brush strokes to depict light and movement.
  • Many cultures incorporate sparkling elements in traditional artwork, such as beadwork or metallic threads, to evoke beauty.

Origin of 'sparkling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'spearcan', which meant to emit light or shine.
  • Related to the Middle English 'sparklen', which means to sparkle or twinkle.
  • The concept of sparkling has been used in English since the 12th century, describing both light and joyful moments.

The word 'sparkling' originated from the Middle English word 'sparklen', which meant to emit sparks. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe something that gives off bright light or shines. In the context of drinks, 'sparkling' is used to refer to beverages with bubbles, particularly carbonated wines. The term is often associated with celebration and luxury due to its association with champagne and other sparkling wines.

See also: spark, sparking, sparkle, sparkler, sparklers, sparks.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,395, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.