brightness

noun

bright·​ness ˈbrīt-nəs 

1

a

: the quality or state of being bright

also : an instance of such a quality or state

b

: luminance

2

: the attribute of light-source colors by which emitted light is ordered continuously from light to dark in correlation with its intensity compare hue sense 2c, lightness entry 1 sense 2a, saturation sense 4

Synonyms of brightness

• brilliancy
• brilliance
• lightness
• illumination
• luminosity

Examples of brightness in a Sentence

the brightness of the sunshine made me squint after an afternoon spent in a darkened movie theater

Recent Examples on the Web

Vinegar is a versatile summer staple, enhancing cocktails, mocktails, and dishes with brightness and balance. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026

The light came on at full brightness and revealed a small freckle field across the bridge of her nose. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026

The Kepler telescope, which discovered 452b, was designed to detect these small dips in brightness. — Elijah Tan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026

The Always-On display can reach up to 3,000 nits of brightness, which is good news for folks who are active outdoors and need to check the time in bright, direct sunshine. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for brightness

• lightness
• rightness
• tightness
• whiteness
• finiteness
• politeness
• uprightness

Medical Definition

brightness

noun

bright·​ness ˈbrīt-nəs 

: the one of the three psychological dimensions of color perception by which visual stimuli are ordered continuously from light to dark and which is correlated with light intensity compare hue, saturation sense 4a