Glowing

ˈɡloʊɪŋ

verbBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To emit a soft, steady light or heat.

ˈɡloʊɪŋ

verbneutralBeginner
General

To emit light or radiate heat.

The fireflies were glowing in the twilight.

💡 Simply: Imagine a campfire at night – when the wood is burning and giving off a soft, warm light, it's glowing.

👶 For kids: Like when a fire gives off light and looks warm.

More Examples

2

The furnace was glowing red hot.

3

Her cheeks were glowing with exertion after the run.

How It's Used

Science

"The embers of the fire were glowing."

General

"The sun was glowing on the horizon."

2

Radiating or filled with light, warmth, or a flushed appearance; characterized by a feeling of well-being or happiness.

ˈɡloʊɪŋ

adjectivepositiveBeginner
General

Radiating or filled with light or warmth.

She had a glowing review of the book.

💡 Simply: Imagine someone's face after they get really good news. It looks happy and bright, or 'glowing'.

👶 For kids: When something looks bright and happy like it's got a light inside.

More Examples

2

The bride looked glowing on her wedding day.

3

The city lights were glowing in the distance.

How It's Used

Literary

"The artist captured the glowing sunset in his painting."

General

"She had a glowing complexion after the facial."

Tip:Think of a lamp emitting a soft, inviting light or a person radiating happiness.
3

Expressing high praise, approval, or admiration; very positive.

ˈɡloʊɪŋ

adjectivepositivemedium
General

Expressing praise, approval, or admiration.

The president received glowing tributes for her accomplishments.

💡 Simply: If someone gets a 'glowing review,' it means people really liked it and had great things to say – like it's shining with goodness!

👶 For kids: When people say something is really, really good and exciting.

More Examples

2

The play received glowing accolades from the audience.

3

The company's new product has earned glowing customer satisfaction.

How It's Used

Review

"The critics gave the film glowing reviews."

Communication

"He offered a glowing endorsement of the company's new policy."

Tip:Imagine something so excellent it practically shines with positivity. It's glowing!

Idioms & expressions

glowing report

A very positive and enthusiastic account or evaluation of something or someone.

"The teacher gave John a glowing report for his excellent behavior and academic performance."

From Middle English *glowen*, from Old English *glōwan* ('to glow, shine'), from Proto-Germanic *glōaną* ('to glow, shine'), from Proto-Indo-European *ghel-* ('to shine, glow').

Used since Old English times, initially referring to physical light emission, and evolving to include figurative uses like positive assessment by the 16th century.

Memory tip

Imagine a hot ember emitting a steady, soft light. That's glowing.

glowingg

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written