# glowing

/ˈɡɫoʊɪŋ/ (US) · /ɡlˈəʊɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. shining softly

adjective · CEFR B1

shining with a soft, steady light.

For teachers: emitting a steady, soft luminescence without a visible flame.

- The glowing embers of the campfire kept us warm through the night.
- The glowing dials of the cockpit instruments provided the only illumination in the cabin during the long overnight flight.

### 2. healthy or happy

adjective · CEFR B2

looking very healthy, warm, or happy.

For teachers: characterised by a physical appearance of health, warmth, or intense emotion.

- She returned from her summer holiday with a glowing tan.
- The bride stood at the altar with a glowing expression that captured the attention of everyone in the cathedral.

### 3. full of praise

adjective · CEFR B2

expressing great praise or approval.

For teachers: expressing enthusiastic praise or highly favourable appreciation.

- The young chef received a glowing review from the city's top food critic.
- The retiring professor was moved by the glowing tributes delivered by his former students during the ceremony.

### 4. the act of shining

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the state or process of shining with a soft light.

For teachers: the action or state of emitting a steady, soft light.

- The soft glowing of the television was the only light in the dark room.
- The rhythmic glowing of the deep-sea organisms created a surreal atmosphere for the researchers in the submersible.

## Examples

- The movie received glowing reviews from every critic.
- After her long vacation in the mountains, she returned with a glowing complexion and a relaxed smile.
- The board of directors gave a glowing report on the CEO's performance, citing her decisive leadership during the recent market volatility as the primary reason for the company's success.

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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.