shimmer

1 of 2

verb

shim·​mer ˈshi-mər How to pronounce shimmer (audio)
shimmered; shimmering ˈshi-mə-riŋ How to pronounce shimmer (audio)
ˈshim-riŋ
Synonyms of shimmernext

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 How to pronounce shimmer (audio)
ˈshim-rē
adjective

Synonyms

Verb

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Queen Camilla shimmered in what's informally known as the Aquamarine Ribbon Tiara, making her debut in the headpiece. —Janine Henni, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024 The aspens that have leaves left are shimmering gold. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Noun
The creamy formula creates a smooth, velvety finish while the shimmer creates a look that will turn heads. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024 The shimmer on the dress caught every light from the stadium lights. —Bryan West, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shimmer 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of shimmer was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near shimmer

Shimla

shimmer

shimmy

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Shimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shimmer. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

shimmer

verb
shim·​mer
ˈshim-ər
shimmered; shimmering
-(ə-)riŋ
: to shine with a wavering light : glimmer
shimmer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on shimmer

Nglish: Translation of shimmer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of shimmer for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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