ENGLISH
REFERENCE

glorious

adj.
US //ˈɡɫɔɹiəs// UK //ɡlˈɔːɹɪəs// glo·ri·ous
  1. 1 beautiful or impressive (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    very beautiful, bright, or impressive to look at.

    possessing or displaying great beauty, splendour, or magnificence.

    Example

    We sat on the beach and watched a glorious sunset over the ocean.

    Example

    The cathedral's interior was a glorious display of Gothic architecture, with light streaming through the intricate stained-glass windows.
  2. 2 wonderful or delightful (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    completely enjoyable or wonderful.

    highly delightful or excellent; often used to describe weather or personal experiences.

    Example

    It was a glorious day for a walk in the park.

    Example

    After weeks of rain, the residents finally enjoyed a glorious weekend of sunshine and outdoor festivities.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 worthy of fame (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    deserving great fame, praise, or honour.

    conferring or worthy of glory, renown, or high honour.

    Example

    The army returned home after a glorious victory in battle.

    Example

    The historian argued that the revolution was less a glorious triumph of the people and more a calculated political shift.
Origin

From Middle English glorious, from Anglo-Norman glorius and Old French glorïos, from Latin glōriōsus. Displaced native Middle English wulderful, from Old English wuldorfull (“glorious”), among other terms. Equivalent to glory + -ous.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference