fluorescent

adjective

fluo·​res·​cent flu̇-ˈre-sᵊnt 

flȯ-

1

: having or relating to fluorescence

2

: bright and glowing as a result of fluorescence

fluorescent inks

broadly : very bright in color

fluorescent noun

fluorescently adverb

Examples of fluorescent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Limit light exposure, especially direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting, which can both degrade wine. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

By labeling neurons with fluorescent proteins, each neural impulse appears as a tiny flash of light—like stars blinking in the dark. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026

This time, the drama steps beyond the fluorescent glow of Pierpoint’s trading floor and into a broader, more unsettling social landscape. —Chloe Laws, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026

Neon or fluorescent colors were used in carpeting as a fun way to integrate accent colors, but according to Jill Greaves, an interior designer and founder of Jill Greaves Design, there are more sophisticated and current ways to playfully design a room, like with paint or wall art. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fluorescent

• compact fluorescent bulb
• compact fluorescent lamp
• compact fluorescent light
• compact fluorescent light bulb
• fluorescent lamp

Rhymes for fluorescent

• depressant
• incessant
• putrescent
• quiescent
• senescent
• suppressant
• acquiescent
• adolescent
• arborescent
• coalescent
• convalescent
• deliquescent

Kids Definition

fluorescent

adjective

flu·​o·​res·​cent

ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes-ᵊnt

1

: having or relating to fluorescence

2

: very bright in color

fluorescent markers