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

Among the shark’s most extraordinary features is its ability to glow.

Read more on Science Daily

Although the star radiated roughly 100,000 times more light than the Sun, much of its glow was hidden by surrounding dust.

Read more on Science Daily

“I always told my brother, it’s a wonder we don’t all glow in the dark,” Senkewitz said as he brushed his hand across the graffitied hull.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

A tangle of light above a black silhouette of a palm tree emits a sulfurous glow, its nauseous beauty balanced on the tip of potential annihilation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Her former captain at Olympic Division sent out a glowing email just as she was about the leave the station in early 2024, asking her colleagues to join him in congratulating their “beloved” sergeant.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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