glow stick

noun

variants or less commonly glowstick

ˈglō-ˌstik 

plural glow sticks also glowsticks

: a fluid-filled plastic tube that glows when different fluids inside the tube mix and cause a chemiluminescent reaction

Glow sticks now are typically associated with celebrations and having fun, usually during Halloween, New Year's and other get-togethers that occur after dark.

—Sara Thompson

… her students explained that there's a glass tube inside each glow stick that, when snapped, combines two chemicals to create the glowing reaction.

—Holly Bowen

glow stick necklaces/bracelets

Examples of glow stick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Parents can put glow sticks, glow necklaces or reflective tape on their children’s costumes for better visibility. — Lina Ruiz october 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above