# glow

/ˈɡɫoʊ/ (US) · /ɡlˈəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/glow
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. soft light

noun · CEFR B1

a soft, steady light that comes from something hot or bright.

For teachers: the steady emission of light from a source, often associated with heat or luminescence.

- The soft glow of the candles made the room feel very cozy.
- The distant glow of the city lights was visible from the mountain top, reflecting off the low-hanging clouds.

### 2. healthy appearance

noun · CEFR B2

a warm, healthy color in someone's face, often after exercise.

For teachers: a reddish or pinkish flush of the skin, typically signifying health, exertion, or youth.

- She had a lovely pink glow in her cheeks after her morning walk.
- The athlete maintained a healthy glow well after the race had concluded, a testament to her excellent physical conditioning.

### 3. feeling of happiness

noun · CEFR B2

a strong feeling of pleasure or satisfaction.

For teachers: an emotional state of warmth, satisfaction, or intense positive feeling.

- He felt a warm glow of pride when his daughter received her diploma.
- A quiet glow of satisfaction settled over the team as they realized their months of hard work had finally paid off.

### 4. to produce soft light

verb · CEFR B1

to produce a steady, soft light without any flames.

For teachers: to emit steady light and heat without a visible flame; to be incandescent.

- The coals in the fireplace were still glowing hours after the fire went out.
- The dashboard instruments glowed faintly in the dark cabin, providing just enough light for the pilot to monitor the descent.

### 5. to look very happy

verb · CEFR B2

to look very happy, excited, or healthy.

For teachers: to exhibit a radiant appearance due to strong positive emotion or physical well-being.

- The bride was glowing with happiness as she walked down the aisle.
- The expectant parents seemed to glow with anticipation as they shared the news with their extended family.

## Examples

- The sunset left a beautiful orange glow in the sky.
- After a long walk in the cold winter air, her cheeks had a healthy pink glow.
- The soft glow of the embers provided just enough light for the hikers to navigate the cabin without waking their companions.

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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.
