English vocabulary · B2
Shimmer
/ˈʃɪm.ər/ · v., n.
It means to shine with a soft, moving light. The light does not stay still — it keeps shifting and flickering.
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Example sentences
- The lake shimmered in the afternoon heat.
- Her dress shimmered under the stage lights as she walked.
Word origin and roots
from Old English
- scimerian — shine faintly (from Old English)
Synonyms and nuances
- GLEAM — shine in a steady way (Steady & Clear)
- GLISTEN — shine from a wet surface (Wet Surface)
- GLOW — give off soft warm light (Warm & Broad)
Similar words
- gleam
- glisten
- glow
Lesson notes
Shimmer. It means to shine with a soft, moving light. The light does not stay still — it keeps shifting and flickering.
Similar words are gleam, glisten, and glow. Use shimmer when the light moves softly and does not stay in one place.
The lake shimmered in the afternoon heat. Her dress shimmered under the stage lights as she walked.
From Old English. scimerian- means shine faintly. A light that shines faintly and keeps moving — that is shimmer.