1 B2 informal
To make something look brighter, shinier, or more attractive by adding decorative or shiny elements.
"A few fairy lights will really sparkle up the living room for the party."
separable
sparkle up
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To make something or someone more lively, bright, or visually appealing; to add sparkle or shine.
In plain English
To make something look brighter, shinier, or more exciting.
What does "sparkle up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To become or make something more lively, energetic, or engaging.
"Her witty remarks sparkled up what had been a rather dull conference."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To add sparkle going upward — fairly transparent.
Actually means
To make something look brighter, shinier, or more exciting.
Usage tip
Not highly frequent and not in all dictionaries. Used in beauty, home décor, and event planning contexts. Also used figuratively to mean making something more engaging or vivid. 'Sparkle up' is more vivid than 'brighten up'.
Words that pair with "sparkle up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
room outfit display presentation décor appearance
How to conjugate "sparkle up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sparkle up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sparkles up
he/she/it
Past simple
sparkled up
yesterday
Past participle
sparkled up
have + pp
-ing form
sparkling up
continuous
Hear "sparkle up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "sparkle up"
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