I. ˈtwiŋ-kəl verb
( twin·kled ; twin·kling -k(ə-)liŋ)
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-)lər noun
II. noun
Date: 1548
1. : a wink of the eyelids
2. : the instant's duration of a wink : twinkling
3. : an intermittent radiance : flicker , sparkle
4. : a rapid flashing motion : flit
• twin·kly -k(ə-)lē adjective