glow

UK: /ˈgləʊ/ US: /gloʊ/ ,(glō)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

glow /gloʊ/   n. [countable* usually singular]

1. a light given off by or as if by a substance heated hot enough to do so;
   incandescence:
   the glow of hot coals.
2. brightness of color:
   the glow of the rubies.
3. a sensation or state of bodily heat:
   a warm glow after exercising.
4. a warm, usually reddish color of the cheeks.
5. warmth of emotion or passion;
   ardor:
   felt the glow of love.

v. [no object]

6. to give off a glow:
   The coals glowed for hours.
7. to shine like something intensely heated:
   The hands of the watch glow in the dark.
8. to have a healthy, reddish color:
   Her face glowed.
9. to feel very warm:
   His body was glowing after the exercise class.
10. to show happiness:
    glowing with pride.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

glow  (glō), n. 

1. a light emitted by or as if by a substance heated to luminosity;
   incandescence.
2. brightness of color.
3. a sensation or state of bodily heat.
4. a warm, ruddy color of the cheeks.
5. warmth of emotion or passion;
   ardor.

v.i. 

6. to emit bright light and heat without flame;
   become incandescent.
7. to shine like something intensely heated.
8. to exhibit a strong, bright color;
   be lustrously red or brilliant.
9. (of the cheeks) to exhibit a healthy, warm, ruddy color.
10. to become or feel very warm or hot.
11. to show emotion or elation:
    to glow with pride.

• bef. 1000; Middle English glowen (verb, verbal), Old English glōwan; akin to German glühen, Old Norse glōa

Synonyms

• 9. flush, blush, redden.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

glow / ɡləʊ/ noun

1. light emitted by a substance or object at a high temperature
2. a steady even light without flames
3. brilliance or vividness of colour
4. brightness or ruddiness of complexion
5. a feeling of wellbeing or satisfaction
6. intensity of emotion; ardour

verb (intransitive)

1. to emit a steady even light without flames
2. to shine intensely, as if from great heat
3. to be exuberant or high-spirited, as from excellent health or intense emotion
4. to experience a feeling of wellbeing or satisfaction: to glow with pride
5. (esp of the complexion) to show a strong bright colour, esp a shade of red
6. to be very hot

Etymology: Old English glōwan; related to Old Norse glōa, Old High German gluoen, Icelandic glōra to sparkle