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

Because the planet's faint glow is easily lost in the brightness of its host star, researchers applied high-contrast imaging techniques to separate the light of the planet from that of the star.

Read more on Science Daily

This one too is about brooding men with an inner glow.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Luxurious finishes and fixtures can be found in every room of the home, including “exquisite crystal chandeliers” that were custom-designed to cast an “ethereal glow” throughout the dwelling.

Read more on MarketWatch

Marc still remembers the warm glow of sampling roughly 100 wines over the course of camp.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The royal family is venerated in Thailand, treated by many as semi-divine figures and lavished with glowing media coverage and gold-adorned portraits hanging in public spaces and private homes nationwide.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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