glow

[gloh]

noun

1. a light emitted by or as if by a substance heated to luminosity; incandescence.

2. brightness of color.

3. a sensation or state of bodily heat.

4. a warm, ruddy color of the cheeks.

5. warmth of emotion or passion; ardor.

verb (used without object)

1. to emit bright light and heat without flame; become incandescent.

2. to shine like something intensely heated.

3. to exhibit a strong, bright color; be lustrously red or brilliant.

4. (of the cheeks) to exhibit a healthy, warm, ruddy color.

   Synonyms: redden, blush, flush

5. to become or feel very warm or hot.

6. to show emotion or elation.

   to glow with pride.

glow

/ ɡləʊ /

noun

1. light emitted by a substance or object at a high temperature

2. a steady even light without flames

3. brilliance or vividness of colour

4. brightness or ruddiness of complexion

5. a feeling of wellbeing or satisfaction

6. intensity of emotion; ardour

verb

1. to emit a steady even light without flames

2. to shine intensely, as if from great heat

3. to be exuberant or high-spirited, as from excellent health or intense emotion

4. to experience a feeling of wellbeing or satisfaction

   to glow with pride

5. (esp of the complexion) to show a strong bright colour, esp a shade of red

6. to be very hot

Other Word Forms

• outglow verb (used with object)
• underglow noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of glow¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English glowen (verb), Old English glōwan; akin to German glühen, Old Norse glōa

Word History and Origins

Origin of glow¹

Old English glōwan; related to Old Norse glōa, Old High German gluoen, Icelandic glōra to sparkle

Example Sentences

Tamalpais glowed in the late afternoon light, and endorphins flooded our systems.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This year, for World Meningitis Day on 5 October, York's Millennium Bridge will glow purple in Livia's memory.

Read more on BBC

A 100-foot-tall pillar of fire cast an orange glow over the night sky.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He said he checked neighbouring Bogo town and saw solar lamps casting a dim glow over streets strewn with boulders.

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Along the way, we get some classics, like the image of a burlesque dancer "glowing like the end of a cigarette"; or comparing a critic's barbs to "a toy chihuahua barking from a tiny purse".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bloom 
• blossom 
• brilliance 
• glare 
• gleam 
• glimmer 
• glitter 
• intensity 
• light 
• radiance 
• ray 
• warmth