light pollution
noun
: artificial skylight (as from city lights) that interferes especially with astronomical observations
Examples of light pollution in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The city’s current light pollution ordinance applies to commercial, industrial, public, semi-public and multi-family developments of more than three units.
—
Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2024
According to light pollution researchers, a natural dark night sky is inaccessible to 99% of people in the United States.
—Maggie Downs, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2024
While some residents appreciate the purple lights’ nostalgic vibes, others have expressed concerns about their impact on visibility, light pollution and local ecosystems.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024
Meanwhile, a growing dark-sky movement is working to protect the night from light pollution, which grew by nearly 10% every year between 2011 and 2022.
—Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2024
To see it, or any of this month’s astro marvels, head to a location with minimal light pollution and open, unobstructed views overhead.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2024
The organization works to prevent light pollution and recognizes dark-sky areas around the world, including a dark-sky park at City of Rocks National Reserve that was unveiled earlier this year.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024
Their concerns centered on traffic congestion, water supply, light pollution and wildlife impacts.
—Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 20 Mar. 2024
Which is why organizations like the IDA are fighting to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities and wildlife populations from the harmful effects of light pollution.
—Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024
Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2024
According to light pollution researchers, a natural dark night sky is inaccessible to 99% of people in the United States.
—Maggie Downs, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2024
While some residents appreciate the purple lights’ nostalgic vibes, others have expressed concerns about their impact on visibility, light pollution and local ecosystems.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024
Meanwhile, a growing dark-sky movement is working to protect the night from light pollution, which grew by nearly 10% every year between 2011 and 2022.
—Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2024
To see it, or any of this month’s astro marvels, head to a location with minimal light pollution and open, unobstructed views overhead.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2024
The organization works to prevent light pollution and recognizes dark-sky areas around the world, including a dark-sky park at City of Rocks National Reserve that was unveiled earlier this year.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024
Their concerns centered on traffic congestion, water supply, light pollution and wildlife impacts.
—Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 20 Mar. 2024
Which is why organizations like the IDA are fighting to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities and wildlife populations from the harmful effects of light pollution.
—Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'light pollution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1969, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near light pollution
Cite this Entry
“Light pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light%20pollution. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share