What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sparkly
Example
The dress was covered in sparkly sequins. [sparkly: adjective]
Example
The stars looked so sparkly in the night sky. [sparkly: adverb]
shiny
Example
The car's shiny exterior caught my eye. [shiny: adjective]
Example
She polished her shoes until they were shiny. [shiny: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shiny is more commonly used than sparkly in everyday language and can be used in various contexts, while sparkly is less common and may be considered more informal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sparkly and shiny?
While shiny is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, sparkly is typically associated with a more casual and playful tone.