shimmer

1 of 2

verb

shim·​mer ˈshi-mər 

shimmered; shimmering ˈshi-mə-riŋ 

ˈshim-riŋ

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 

ˈshim-rē

adjective

Synonyms of shimmer

Verb

• gleam
• glitter
• sparkle
• flash
• shine
• glisten

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

Verb

Elsewhere, delicate capiz shells have been hand-cut and hand-painted to create wall coverings in shimmering shades of emerald green and metallic grey, and artworks by local creatives such as Yasser Al Mulla and Azzam Al Mannai adorn walls. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

The perfectly symmetrical volcano is best viewed from Lake Kawaguchiko, where its reflection shimmers across the water. —Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026

Noun

La La Anthony shimmers and shines on the red carpet at the 2026 TIME100 Gala on April 23 in New York City. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026

Just off the lobby, Feuillage is the spot for teas, coffees and jewel-like cakes, from macarons filled with fresh raspberries and cream, to lemon tarts topped with a shimmer of gold leaf. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for shimmer

• brimmer
• dimmer
• glimmer
• grimmer
• nimmer
• rimmer
• simmer
• skimmer
• slimmer
• swimmer
• timmer
• trimmer

Kids Definition

shimmer

verb

shim·​mer

ˈshim-ər

shimmered; shimmering

-(ə-)riŋ

: to shine with a wavering light : glimmer

shimmer noun