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 Words From

• outglow verb (used with object)
• under·glow 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

Local residents would gather outside the house when night fell, captivated by the curious orange glow.

From BBC

“He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care and respect. Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace.”

From Los Angeles Times

You may never have heard of this single-celled alga, but sailors and fishermen know its effect very well: the P. lunula algae are the organisms that occasionally make the see glow blue.

From Science Daily

I’m enjoying time with my husband, Steve, standing between clean lines on the deep blue courts made bluer by the artificial glow.

From Los Angeles Times

“When we first filmed it glowing ... everyone in the control room let out a loud ‘Oooooh!’ at the same time.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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