glitz
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡlˈɪts/
US
- /ˈɡlɪts/
Description
- sparkle
- glamour
- showiness
- flashy style
Think Hollywood premieres, bright casinos, and places covered in diamonds and lights. That is glitz. It is more than simple shine. It is a flashy look or display that is meant to impress people right away. A natural sparkle can feel soft or elegant, but glitz feels bigger, louder, and more showy. You are likely to see it on a red carpet, in a stage show, or in a luxury hotel, not in a quiet and simple setting.
The word is often linked with fame, money, and entertainment. It has a modern feel and is commonly used for glamorous scenes that are exciting but sometimes a little too polished or dramatic. So when something looks shiny, theatrical, and made to catch every eye in the room, glitz is the word that fits.
Glitz refers to a flashy, glamorous, or showy display, especially one connected with fashion, money, celebrity, or entertainment. It is not just beauty or shine on its own. It is the kind of sparkle that is designed to stand out and make a strong impression. For example, you might say, "The hotel lobby was all glitz and mirrors," or "She was drawn to the glitz of Broadway musicals."
The word can describe a thing, a place, an event, or even a whole lifestyle. A sequined jacket can have glitz, but so can an awards show, a nightclub, or a part of a city known for luxury and spectacle. Las Vegas is a classic example because people often connect it with bright lights, bold design, and nonstop entertainment. In many cases, the word suggests excitement, wealth, and surface appeal.
Still, glitz is not always praise. Because it focuses on outward appearance, it can suggest that something is too showy, shallow, or lacking real substance. A party may have "too much glitz" if it feels overdone. The word can also be used with irony when something tries hard to look glamorous but ends up feeling cheap or fake.
In modern English, glitz captures the idea of glamour with extra shine and spectacle added on top. Whether it is a stage performance, a luxury penthouse, or a glittering award show, the word points to that mix of bright surface beauty, drama, and deliberate showmanship.
Examples
- 1
Awards show
The awards show had all the glitz of a Hollywood premiere.
- 2
Hidden problems
Behind the glitz of the new casino, the business was losing money.
- 3
Fashion
She likes fashion, but she could do without the glitz and glamour.
Phrase
glitz and glamour
an exciting, stylish, and luxurious appearance
- 4
Political campaign
The campaign had plenty of glitz, but voters were looking for real ideas.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- glitznoun