glow

1 of 2

verb

ˈglō 

glowed; glowing; glows

intransitive verb

1

a

: to shine with or as if with an intense heat

embers glowing in the darkness

b(1)

: to have a rich warm typically ruddy color

cheeks glowing with health

(2)

: flush, blush

the children glowed with excitement

2

a

: to experience a sensation of or as if of heat

glowing with rage

b

: to show exuberance or elation

glow with pride

glow

2 of 2

noun

1

: brightness or warmth of color

especially : redness

2

a

: warmth of feeling or emotion

b

: a sensation of warmth

the drug produces a sustained glow

3

a

: the state of glowing with heat and light

b

: light such as is emitted by a solid body heated to luminosity : incandescence

Synonyms

Verb

• blaze
• burn
• combust
• flame

Noun

• blaze
• flare
• fluorescence
• glare
• gleam
• illumination
• incandescence
• light
• luminescence
• radiance
• shine

Examples of glow in a Sentence

Verb

The coals glowed in the fireplace.

The fireplace glowed with the dying coals.

This toy glows in the dark.

Noun

We could see the glow of the lamp in the window.

The town's lights cast a glow on the horizon.

the rosy glow of health

He felt a glow as he remembered the day they first met.

Their problems were all forgotten in the glow of victory.

She felt the glow from the fireplace.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Users can see a developing fire on the map, represented by a glowing yellow dot well before its perimeter is reported to the NIFC. —Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024

One key incumbent appeared to be heading off a possible upset: That was Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, who seemed likely to continue his astounding run as the only Republican to hold countywide office, even as Oakland County seemingly glows a brighter blue with each election. —Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

Noun

Eve Lom Twelve Day Advent Calendar Buy Now for $290 From its cult-favorite cleanser to its pampering masks, Eve Lom's 12-product skincare set has everything your routine needs to boost your glow in the new year. —Jackie Fields, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation Reveal a natural, healthy-looking glow with this hydrating foundation for 25% off. —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English glōwan; akin to Old English geolu yellow — more at yellow

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing glow

• glow discharge
• glow lamp
• glow plug
• golden glow
• twilight glow

Kids Definition

glow

1 of 2 verb

ˈglō 

1

: to shine with or as if with great heat : give off light without flame

glowing coals

2

: to have a rich warm usually reddish color

3

: to be or look warm and flushed (as from excitement)

glow with pride

glow

2 of 2 noun

1

: brightness or warmth of color

a rosy glow of health

2

a

: warmth of feeling

b

: a feeling of physical warmth

3

: light such as that given off by something that is very hot but not flaming