English Reference
noun · verb

glory

n. · v.
US /ˈɡɫɔɹi/ UK /ɡlˈɔːɹi/ glo·ry UK spelling glories, glorying

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.great fame or honor that you get when you do something very impressive.

    n.high renown or honor won by notable achievements.

    Simple

    The soldiers fought bravely, but they were not looking for personal glory.

    In context

    The young athlete dreamed of Olympic glory, spending every waking hour training for the moment she might stand on the podium.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    n.great beauty or something that is very impressive to look at.

    n.magnificence or great beauty; a state of high splendor.

    Simple

    We woke up early to see the sunrise in all its glory.

    In context

    The restored cathedral was finally revealed in its full glory, with the gold leaf reflecting the afternoon sun.

    uglinessdrabness
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal Religion

    n.praise and worship given to God.

    n.the manifestation of divine presence or the worship offered to a deity.

    Simple

    The choir sang a hymn to the glory of God.

    In context

    The theological text explores the concept of divine glory as an inherent attribute of the creator rather than a bestowed honor.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    n.a circle of light shown around the head of a holy person in a painting.

    n.a luminous ring or halo represented in art around the head or body of a sacred figure.

    Simple

    The saint was painted with a golden glory behind his head.

    In context

    The pilot observed a pilot's glory, a rare optical phenomenon where the aircraft's shadow is surrounded by rainbow-like rings on the clouds below.

    Usage

    In meteorology, it refers specifically to an optical phenomenon of concentric rings around a shadow.

    halonimbusaura
  5. 05 C1 Advanced Literary

    v.to feel very happy and proud about something you have done.

    v.to take great pride or pleasure in something; to exult.

    Simple

    He seemed to glory in his reputation as a difficult boss.

    In context

    The victors continued to glory in their success long after the actual competition had concluded, much to the annoyance of their rivals.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'in'.

There has been more medal glory for Team Ireland at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris on Saturday.

BreakingNews.ie· 15 Aug 2026

Britain's Amy Hunt charges to 200m glory to secure her second European Championships gold medal - but the sprinter has her sights set on a historic quadruple in Birmingham.

BBC News· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated