afterglow

noun

af·​ter·​glow ˈaf-tər-ˌglō How to pronounce afterglow (audio)
Synonyms of afterglownext
1
: a glow remaining where a light has disappeared
2
: a pleasant effect or feeling that lingers after something is done, experienced, or achieved
basking in the afterglow of success

Examples of afterglow in a Sentence

the afterglow of the sunset
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The observatory was named for fast-flying swift birds due to its ability to pivot rapidly to look at cosmic events and afterglows, enabling the study of comets, gravitational waves and black holes over long periods of time. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 Following that success was always going to be a challenge, particularly without the afterglow of a run to the national championship game casting a blue-and-gold tint on every recruiting pitch. Pete Sampson, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Though the Lakers lost the following season in the first round, James at least could have experienced the same afterglow throughout that season had more than a limited number of fans were allowed to attend home playoff games. Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 New Yorkers are still basking in the afterglow of the Knicks’ first NBA title in 53 years, so this week’s rye whiskey cocktail is for them. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for afterglow

Word History

Etymology

after- + glow entry 2

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of afterglow was in 1832

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Cite this Entry

“Afterglow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterglow. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

afterglow

noun
af·​ter·​glow -ˌglō How to pronounce afterglow (audio)
1
: a glow remaining (as in the sky after sunsets) where a light has disappeared
2
: a pleasant feeling that lingers after something is done, experienced, or achieved
the afterglow of success

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