phosphorescent

adjective

phos·​pho·​res·​cent ˌfäs-fə-ˈre-sᵊnt How to pronounce phosphorescent (audio)
: exhibiting phosphorescence
phosphorescently adverb

Examples of phosphorescent in a Sentence

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.
Folks would dip dresses and suits in glowing, phosphorescent paint and wear them around town performing various pranks or artistic displays. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Mar. 2026 The electrons accelerated and smashed into a phosphorescent screen that lit up for our viewing pleasure. — Paul Sutter, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2025 The phosphorescent look is also seen on the translucent Barely Volt outsole as well as the heel’s Ducks logo. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 May 2026 Ursula on the deck in the darkness, the wake phosphorescent green, everything behind her, all of Europe, dissolving. — Literary Hub, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for phosphorescent

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phosphorescent was in 1767

Rhymes for phosphorescent

See All Rhymes for phosphorescent

Browse Nearby Words

phosphorescence
phosphorescent
phosphoreted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Phosphorescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphorescent. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

phosphorescent

adjective
phos·​pho·​res·​cent ˌfäs-fə-ˈres-ᵊnt How to pronounce phosphorescent (audio)
: exhibiting phosphorescence

Medical Definition

phosphorescent

adjective
phos·​pho·​res·​cent -ᵊnt How to pronounce phosphorescent (audio)
: exhibiting phosphorescence

More from Merriam-Webster on phosphorescent

Nglish: Translation of phosphorescent for Spanish Speakers

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