afterglow

noun

af·​ter·​glow ˈaf-tər-ˌglō 

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

In November 2004, NASA launched the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to study gamma-ray bursts and monitor the afterglow in X-ray and UV/visible light at the location. —David Szondy june 18, New Atlas, 18 June 2026

Unfortunately, once your brain starts readapting to its familiar surroundings, the afterglow starts to fade. —Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 17 June 2026

This is how a title is won, with prudence and luck and a foresight that becomes apparent in the afterglow of victory. —Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 14 June 2026

What’s more, the product delivers a luxe sensorial experience and a bit of an afterglow. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

after- + glow entry 2

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for afterglow

• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo
• ceo

Kids Definition

afterglow

noun

af·​ter·​glow -ˌglō 

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