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gleam

gleam

NounIntransitive Verb

pl: gleamspast: gleamedpp: gleameding: gleaming

This term evokes a sense of suddenness or fragility, describing light that is not constant but rather flickering, reflected, or momentary. It carries a cleaner, more polished connotation than glow or glare, often suggesting a surface that is smooth, metallic, or wet.

When used to describe emotions or qualities, it suggests a subtle, barely perceptible emergence of a feeling. This usage typically pairs with abstract nouns like hope, mischief, or intelligence, indicating that the quality is present but not fully revealed or dominant.

Meanings

Noungleam

A small, bright light, especially one that is reflected from a surface or appears briefly.

A gleam of sunlight filtered through the clouds.

Noungleam

A brief or faint sign of a feeling or quality, often appearing in a person's eyes.

There was a gleam of hope in her expression despite the setback.

Intransitive Verbgleam

To shine brightly, especially with a reflected light or a polished surface.

The polished silver began to gleam under the chandeliers.

Examples

The polished silver trophies gleam under the spotlights.

A sudden gleam of hope appeared in her eyes.

Romance

The sword began to gleam with a mysterious blue light.

Fantasy

I saw a faint gleam of light coming from the attic window.

Detective

There was a mischievous gleam in his eye as he planned the prank.

The newly waxed floors gleam in the morning sun.

Office

Wait, did I just see a gleam of gold in the riverbed?

Travel

Her eyes gleamed with excitement when she opened the gift.

The dew on the grass gleams like tiny diamonds.

Phrasal Verbs

gleam through

to be visible as a faint or intermittent light through an obstruction

The distant lighthouse began to gleam through the thick fog.

Last Updated: May 2026•Report an Error