effulgence

noun

ef·​ful·​gence i-ˈfu̇l-jən(t)s How to pronounce effulgence (audio)
e-,
-ˈfəl- How to pronounce effulgence (audio)
: radiant splendor : brilliance
effulgent
i-ˈfu̇l-jənt How to pronounce effulgence (audio)
e-
-ˈfəl-
adjective

Did you know?

Need a shiny word to bust out at your next disco party, planetarium visit, or fireworks gathering? How about effulgence? It’s not a shiny "new" word, having made its English language debut in the 17th century, but it does come from the Latin verb fulgēre, meaning "to shine." Effulgence isn’t used for bog-standard brightness, however; it’s reserved for shininess that dazzles, inspires, leaves you gobsmacked—in other words, "radiant splendor."

Examples of effulgence in a Sentence

the exceptional effulgence of the harvest moon is always a striking sight
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though the Star of Bethlehem has sunk, yet its sacred effulgence beams forth periodically, again and again, and a universe is filled with joy in honor of the Great Redeemer. Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 23 Dec. 2024 Maggie Rogers paired her of-the-moment shag with natural notes—bare skin, freckles, grass—as elsewhere, Elle Fanning enjoyed the lit effects of golden hour, which took her complexion and blanched blonde to new levels of effulgence. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 10 July 2022 Absent from Van Noten’s three-decade career are stories of bankruptcy, strife, irresponsibility, overleverage, overexpansion, overspending or unhinged, dangerous effulgence. Hanya Yanagihara, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin effulgentia "radiance," noun derivative of Latin effulgent-, effulgens, present participle of effulgēre "to shine or blaze forth, flash," from ef-, variant before f of ex- ex- entry 1 + fulgēre "to shine brightly, flash, lighten" — more at phlegm

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of effulgence was in 1667

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Cite this Entry

“Effulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effulgence. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

effulgence

noun
ef·​ful·​gence i-ˈfu̇l-jən(t)s How to pronounce effulgence (audio) e- How to pronounce effulgence (audio)
-ˈfəl-
: shining brightness
effulgent adjective
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