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

The Jays will likely see a big revenue bump this winter and next year off the afterglow of a tremendous 2025 season. —Keith Law, New York Times, 27 Nov. 2025

Over the coming weeks, light began to arrive in other wavelengths as well, as close to 100 professional observatories monitored the spectacular afterglow of this neutron star merger. —Big Think, 13 Nov. 2025

While Los Angeles is still basking in the afterglow of a second consecutive World Series win, Arik is already looking forward to next season. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025

King dressed for the interview in a vibrant Los Angeles Dodgers jacket, basking in the afterglow of their stunning World Series victory against the Toronto Blue Jays. —Don Riddell, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 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