twinkle
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈtwɪŋkəl/
KK: /ˈtwɪŋkəl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To shine with small, quick flashes of light, like stars or distant lights; to sparkle or flicker.
Example
The stars twinkle brightly in the night sky.
Tense Forms
Past: twinkled
Past Participle: twinkled
Conversation
Did you see the stars last night?
Yeah, they really twinkle beautifully in the clear sky.
I love how they twinkle when it's quiet outside.
Me too! It’s so calming to just watch them.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
flicker
glimmer
sparkle
Antonyms
dull
fade
darken
noun
Definition
A brief flash or gleam of light, often seen as a sparkle or glimmer.
Example
The stars began to twinkle in the night sky.
Conversation
Did you see the twinkle in the stars last night?
Yeah, it was so beautiful and bright!
I love how a little twinkle can make the sky look magical.
transitive verb
Definition
To shine with a flickering or intermittent light.
Example
The stars twinkle brightly in the night sky.
Tense Forms
Past: twinkled
Past Participle: twinkled
Conversation
Did you see the stars last night?
Yeah, they really twinkle beautifully!
I love how they can light up the whole sky.
Root Explanation
Twinkle originates from Middle English 'twinklen', which is a frequentative form of 'twink', meaning to shine or flicker. The word describes the action of shining with a flickering or wavering light.
Memory Tip
Imagine a light that 'flickers' or 'shines' softly — that's what twinkle means, like stars in the night sky.
Visually Confused Words
winkle
tinkle
wrinkle
winklet
twankle
trinkle
tinkler
atinkle