I. ˈspärkəlˌ -pȧk- verb
( sparkled ; sparkled ; sparkling -k(ə)liŋ ; sparkles )
Etymology: Middle English sparklen, freq. of sparken to spark — more at spark
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to throw out sparks
b. : to shine as if throwing out sparks : emit small flashes of light : scintillate , flash , glisten
dewdrops sparkle in the morning sun
c. : to perform brilliantly
the team hit well and sparkled in the field
2. : to effervesce with bubbles of released carbon dioxide
wine that sparkles
3. : to become lively or animated : show spirit and fire
her eyes sparkled with anger
the dialogue sparkles with wit
transitive verb
1. : to cause to glitter or shine
the sun sparkled wet grass
2. : to show by or as if by flashes of light
her eyes sparkled her pleasure at the compliment
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, diminutive of sparke spark — more at spark
1. : a little spark : scintillation
2. : the quality of sending out or reflecting flashes of brilliant light
sparkle of a diamond
sparkle of the dancing waves
3. : a slight trace : showing
now showed only an occasional sparkle of his former high spirits
4.
a. : animation , liveliness , vivacity
natural sparkle animates her dialogue — Current Biography
b. : effervescence
5. : a small brilliant gem
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English sparklen, probably alteration of sparplen — more at sparple
archaic : disperse , scatter