Definition of sparkle

The word "sparkle" originated in the late Middle English period, around the 14th century. It comes from the Old French verb "esparler" which means "to restel" or "to refer person." This French word, in turn, is believed to have originated from the past participle of the Old Norse verb "spyrkja," which means "to speckle" or "to break into sparks." The Old Norse word "spyrkja" is thought to be derived from the Proto-Germanic root "*spriak-," which has the meaning "to jump" or "to break into pieces." This root is also found in other Germanic languages such as Gothic, where it appears as "speirkan" meaning "to break forth" or "to shine." The use of "sparkle" to describe something that shines or is bright and lively, such as a jewel or a firework, first appears in the 16th century. The noun form "sparkle" to describe a substance or object that shines or glitters also emerged around this time. Overall, the word "sparkle" has a fascinating linguistic history that spans multiple languages and cultural traditions, providing a glimpse into the way words related to light and shine have been perceived and expressed over the centuries.