afterglow

noun

af·​ter·​glow ˈaf-tər-ˌglō 

1

: a glow remaining where a light has disappeared

2

: a pleasant effect or feeling that lingers after something is done, experienced, or achieved

basking in the afterglow of success

Examples of afterglow in a Sentence

the afterglow of the sunset

Recent Examples on the Web

Astronomers have discovered extraordinarily powerful X-ray jets blasting from two supermassive black holes that are so ancient that the jets shine in the afterglow of the Big Bang. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 June 2025

Fils asked the French faithful, when former player Marion Bartoli put a microphone to his lips at the center of the court in the afterglow of a resurrection, measured by a 7-6(3), 7-6(4), 2-6, 0-6, 6-4 scoreline. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 May 2025

Manalapan isn’t the only place basking in the afterglow of Palm Beach’s prestige. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 May 2025

Denver’s locker room was buzzing in the afterglow of the dunk. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

after- + glow entry 2

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for afterglow

• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo
• ceo

Kids Definition

afterglow

noun

af·​ter·​glow -ˌglō 

1

: a glow remaining (as in the sky after sunsets) where a light has disappeared

2

: a pleasant feeling that lingers after something is done, experienced, or achieved

the afterglow of success