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Definition of afterglow

afterglow

/ˈæf.tɚ.ɡloʊ/
af · ter · glow
Plural:afterglows
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afterglow Lexical Profile

afterglow Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A soft, warm light remaining in the sky after the sun has set, or lingering after a light source has been extinguished.

Example

"We sat on the porch and watched the pink and orange afterglow fade over the western hills."

2

A pleasant feeling of satisfaction, warmth, or contentment that lingers after a happy or successful experience.

Example

"The championship team basked in the afterglow of their historic victory for weeks."

3

Electromagnetic radiation persisting after a high-energy astronomical event, such as a gamma-ray burst or the Big Bang.

Example

"Astronomers used space telescopes to measure the faint optical afterglow of the distant gamma-ray burst."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

afterburner
aftercare
aftereffect
afterglow
afterimage
afterlife
aftermarket

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 19th century as a compound of the prefix 'after-' (from Old English 'æfter') and the noun 'glow' (from Old English 'glōwan', meaning to shine as if heated).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Afterglow. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/afterglow
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