Pronunciation: [twˈɪŋkə͡lz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "twinkles" is /ˈtwɪŋkəlz/. The first syllable "twink" is spelled with the letters "tw" which make the /tw/ sound. The second syllable "les" is spelled with the letters "l" and "es" which make the /əlz/ sound. The whole word means a sparkling or flickering light. It can be used in sentences like "The stars twinkled in the sky" or "She added extra twinkles to her Christmas tree decorations."
Twinkles refers to the plural form of the noun "twinkle." A twinkle is a brief, fleeting flash or sparkle of light that appears and disappears rapidly. It is usually characterized by a gentle shimmer or glimmer, giving the impression of twinkling stars in the night sky or the reflective glint of light on a shiny surface.
Twinkles can occur naturally in the celestial sphere; they are typically observed when stars, planets, or other distant celestial objects emit periodic flashes of light. In a broader context, twinkles can also refer to the glimmering reflection of light on water, glass, or metallic surfaces, creating an enchanting visual effect.
Furthermore, twinkles can be used metaphorically to describe the expression of delight or amusement in a person's eyes. When someone's eyes twinkle, it suggests a gleaming or sparkling quality that conveys joy, mirth, or mischievousness. This metaphorical usage is often associated with a lighthearted or playful demeanor, where the eyes shine brightly, adding an element of charm or attractivity to a person's countenance.
Overall, twinkles represent the visual phenomenon of intermittent flashes of light, portraying either the natural radiance of stars or the reflection of light on various surfaces. The word can also convey the figurative expression of delight or liveliness in a person's eyes.
The word "twinkles" is derived from the noun "twinkle", which dates back to Middle English. The Middle English term "twinklen" was adapted from the Old English word "twincian", meaning "to wink" or "to sparkle". The origin of "twincian" is uncertain, but some suggest it could be related to the Old High German word "zwinkan", meaning "to blink" or "to close one's eyes". Over time, the noun "twinkle" was verbed, leading to the formation of "twinkles" as a present tense form or a third-person singular form in English.
