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

As Holly approaches orgasm, a pastel filter descends over her vision, lasting through her climax and into the afterglow. —Kate Evans, Scientific American, 25 June 2025

However, new research has calculated that the strength of this afterglow may have been overestimated—a fact that would call the standard model into question. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

The afterglow of the big move continued Friday when, shortly before noon, Hunter arrived at the team’s facility. —Michael Silver, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

Perhaps some of these directors take the money offered amid the afterglow of Oscar night, then fly too close to the sun and crash and burn. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 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