# afterglow

/ˈæftɝˌɡɫoʊ/ (US) · /ˈɑːftəɡlˌəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/afterglow
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

soft light left in the sky after the sun goes down. You also use it for the warm, happy feeling that stays with you after a good moment.

For teachers: residual light in the sky after sunset, caused by scattered sunlight in the upper atmosphere; by extension, a lingering sense of pleasure or warmth following a positive experience.

## Examples

- We watch the soft afterglow after sunset.
- They sit on the porch and watch the pink afterglow fade over the hills.
- Long after the wedding ended, the couple lived in the quiet afterglow of music, speeches, and friends gathered in one room.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.