glow

1 of 2

verb

glowed; glowing; glows
Synonyms of glownext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to shine with or as if with an intense heat
embers glowing in the darkness
b(1)
: to have a rich warm typically ruddy color
cheeks glowing with health
(2)
: flush, blush
the children glowed with excitement
2
a
: to experience a sensation of or as if of heat
glowing with rage
b
: to show exuberance or elation
glow with pride

glow

2 of 2

noun

1
: brightness or warmth of color
especially : redness
2
a
: warmth of feeling or emotion
b
: a sensation of warmth
the drug produces a sustained glow
3
a
: the state of glowing with heat and light
b
: light such as is emitted by a solid body heated to luminosity : incandescence

Examples of glow in a Sentence

Verb The coals glowed in the fireplace. The fireplace glowed with the dying coals. This toy glows in the dark. Noun We could see the glow of the lamp in the window. The town's lights cast a glow on the horizon. the rosy glow of health He felt a glow as he remembered the day they first met. Their problems were all forgotten in the glow of victory. She felt the glow from the fireplace.
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.
Verb
The Dotonbori district is so alive and vibrant at night, with all kinds of street vendors, people laughing in the street, and these fun, glowing party boats going by in the canals. Matt Bomer, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026 At one point, there’s a montage that bounces between Irene practicing at the ballet bar, almost glowing with angelic light, and Soames signing his name onto documents at the office. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
Our Top Korean Makeup As with skin care, Korean makeup products are often formulated with hydrating ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid, mango seed butter, and more) for a healthy, lit-from-within glow. Sarah Han, Allure, 19 Mar. 2026 The cut generates a more continuous glow across the diamond’s surface, according to Jacob & Co. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for glow

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English glōwan; akin to Old English geolu yellow — more at yellow

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of glow was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Glow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glow. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

glow

1 of 2 verb
1
: to shine with or as if with great heat : give off light without flame
glowing coals
2
: to have a rich warm usually reddish color
3
: to be or look warm and flushed (as from excitement)
glow with pride

glow

2 of 2 noun
1
: brightness or warmth of color
a rosy glow of health
2
a
: warmth of feeling
b
: a feeling of physical warmth
3
: light such as that given off by something that is very hot but not flaming

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