n.
Pronunciation: ' twi ŋ -k ə l
Function: verb
Inflected Form: twin · kled ; twin · kling \ -k( ə -)li ŋ \
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English twinclian; akin to Middle High German zwinken to blink
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1 : to shine with a flickering or sparkling light : SCINTILLATE
2 a : to flutter the eyelids b : to appear bright especially with merriment <his eyes twinkled >
3 : to flutter or flit rapidly
transitive verb
1 : to cause to shine with fluctuating light
2 : to flicker or flirt rapidly < twinkled the straight, red-lacquered toes ― Glenway Wescott>
– twin · kler \ -k( ə -)l ə r \ noun