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.
Named for fast-flying swift birds due to its ability to pivot rapidly to peer at cosmic events and afterglows, the telescope has enabled the study of comets, gravitational waves and black holes over long periods of time. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 Actually colder than the cosmic microwave background, the faint afterglow of the Big Bang itself. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 And with the World Cup’s rosy afterglow feeding the notion that the United States might have finally become a soccer nation, Apple would have been remiss not to ride that wave. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026 The afterglow of a trade for Dexter Lawrence that changed the organization’s vision as a whole and the defense as a rebuild project still shined upon the Bengals’ brass in attendance. — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 27 July 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

Rhymes for afterglow

See All Rhymes for afterglow

Browse Nearby Words

aftergame
afterglow
aftergrass
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Cite this Entry

“Afterglow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterglow. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on afterglow

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for afterglow

Nglish: Translation of afterglow for Spanish Speakers

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