What does glint mean?
Glint describes a brief flash or gleam of light, usually the reflection of sunlight from a polished, metallic, or glassy surface. The word is also used figuratively for a momentary sign of emotion, recognition, suspicion, amusement, or mischief, as in a glint of curiosity in someone’s eyes. As a verb, glint describes something that flashes briefly, such as a coin, blade, or pair of eyes catching the light. Its effect is distinctly momentary: unlike a steady glow or a broad gleam, a glint is quick, sharp, and often unexpected. The word can therefore make a description feel vivid and dynamic, while its figurative uses suggest that a hidden feeling or thought has momentarily surfaced. It is especially useful in literary prose and descriptive writing for capturing small, transient visual details.
A brief flash or gleam of light, especially reflected light; figuratively, a fleeting sign of an emotion or intention.
"He saw a glint of recognition in her eyes."
The noun often occurs in phrases such as “a glint of amusement” and “a glint of suspicion.”
To flash briefly with reflected light, or to show a brief bright or mischievous expression.
"The silver earrings glinted in the afternoon sun."
The verb is often used intransitively, especially with objects that catch or reflect light.
The plural is used for separate brief flashes of light or distinct figurative signs of emotion or intention.
"Tiny glints of light appeared along the edge of the water."
A glint is the tiny flash a coin, gemstone, or mischievous eye gives off in just the right light.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of glint
Glint comes from Old Norse glinta, meaning “to glitter” or “to flash.” The word appears in English in the late sixteenth century, probably through Scandinavian influence. Related Germanic forms include gleam, glisten, and glimmer, all associated with shining or sparkling light.
Related word forms
How glint is actually used
Glint is common in both formal and informal English. It often conveys a sudden, brief flash and is especially associated with reflected light or expressive eyes. In figurative uses, it can suggest that a thought, emotion, or intention has briefly become visible.
Easily confused with glint
A glint is a brief, sharp flash of reflected light, whereas a gleam can be a steadier or more diffuse shine.
A glint is momentary and usually bright, while a glimmer is typically a faint, wavering, or subtle appearance of light.