Glow
/ɡloʊ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo produce light, or to look bright, often with a soft, warm color.
/ɡloʊ/
To emit light; to shine softly.
The fireflies glowed in the twilight.
💡 Simply: Imagine a light that isn't super bright, like a firefly or the setting sun. When something glows, it's giving off that soft, warm light. It's like when you smile and your face 'glows' with happiness – you look extra cheerful!
👶 For kids: To shine with a soft light, like a lightbulb that's not too bright.
More Examples
Her cheeks glowed after she ran in the cold.
The monitor glows in the dark.
How It's Used
"The embers of the fire glowed in the darkness."
"Her face glowed with happiness."
"Certain substances glow under ultraviolet light."
To express a strong feeling, often happiness or pride, or another emotion.
/ɡloʊ/
To exhibit strong emotion; to be filled with.
Her eyes glowed with excitement.
💡 Simply: Imagine your face when you're super happy, proud, or angry. When you 'glow' with an emotion, it's like that feeling is shining through you!
👶 For kids: To show a feeling in your face, like when you're very happy and your cheeks look rosy.
More Examples
The athlete glowed with pride after winning the race.
His face glowed with the joy of seeing his family.
How It's Used
"His eyes glowed with anger."
"Her face glowed with pride."
A soft, radiant light or shine.
/ɡloʊ/
A soft, steady light.
The fireplace gave off a warm glow.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really soft light. Maybe it's the light from a candle or the soft light of the moon. A 'glow' is that soft, gentle light.
👶 For kids: A soft light.
More Examples
The city lights created a soft glow on the horizon.
A faint glow emanated from the device.
How It's Used
"The room was filled with a soft glow."
"There was a faint glow of hope."
Idioms & expressions
glow up
To undergo a significant transformation or improvement, often in appearance, style, or confidence.
"After her makeover, she had a serious glow up."
From Middle English glowen, from Old English glōwan ('to glow, be red-hot'). Related to German glühen and Dutch gloeien.
The word 'glow' has been used since Old English and was often used to describe a light that is not too bright and radiates warmth.
Memory tip
Think of a campfire: embers GLOW in the night.