WordGarden.ioflicker
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /flˈɪkə/
US
- /ˈflɪkər/
Meanings
Verb
to shine or burn with an unsteady, wavering light
to move with small quick motions
Noun
a brief or wavering flash of light
a slight brief sign or feeling of something
a visible instability or rapid fluctuation in a screen or image
More meaningsFewer meanings
a North American woodpecker with barred or spotted plumage
Beyond the definition
A candle flame might flicker in the breeze, dancing with unsteady light. But a flicker isn't just about lights! It can describe anything that moves or changes rapidly and irregularly—a flicker of hope in someone's eyes, or a flicker of recognition on their face. Think of it as something briefly shining through, then almost disappearing.
The word evokes a sense of instability and fleeting moments. A movie theater's lights might flicker before the film begins, creating anticipation. Or you might catch a flicker of memory from your childhood, quickly gone again. To flicker is to be unsteady, brief, and captivating in its impermanence.
To flicker means to shine with an unsteady light, or to move irregularly and rapidly, like a flame dancing in the wind. It suggests something that isn't constant or stable, but rather wavers and trembles between visibility and near-disappearance. For example: "The gas lamp flickered, casting eerie shadows on the wall," or "A flicker of doubt crossed her face."
Flicker can describe physical light sources—candles, lamps, screens—but it extends beyond that. It's often used metaphorically to represent fleeting emotions, thoughts, or sensations. You might experience a flicker of hope during a difficult time, or a flicker of recognition when you see an old friend.
The word carries a sense of fragility and impermanence. A flicker is brief, subtle, and easily extinguished. It's not a steady glow, but rather a momentary burst of light or energy. You might say, "His smile flickered briefly before fading," suggesting the happiness was short-lived.
In film or video, a flicker can also refer to a visible change in brightness from frame to frame, whether it is unwanted or used on purpose for a certain effect or mood.
So, whether it's a dancing flame, a fleeting emotion, or a cinematic technique, flicker captures the essence of something unsteady, brief, and captivating in its impermanence.
Examples
- 1
Candle flame
The candle flickered in the wind.
- 2
Lights
The kitchen lights flickered for a second, then went out.
- 3
TV picture
The picture on the TV screen kept flickering during the storm.
- 4
Hope
Hope flickered again when she heard the phone ring.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Facial expression
A quick smile flickered across his face before he looked away.
- Patternflicker across someone's face
appear briefly on their face
- 6
Small sign
For a moment, I saw a flicker of fear in his eyes.
- Patterna flicker of + feeling
a very small, brief sign of it
- 7
Remaining hope
There was still a flicker of hope that the missing dog would come home.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- flickernounverb
Forms
- flickering-ing formverbnoun
- flickeredpast tenseverbnoun
- flickersverbnoun