often attributive
1
: a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum
also
: the beam of coherent radiation itself
The cesium fluoresced. This told them they had the necessary population of excited atoms to produce a laser. —
Nick Taylor
Nick Taylor 2
: something resembling a laser beam in accuracy, speed, or intensity
threw a laser into the end zone
a laser stare
lasered; lasering; lasers
: to subject to the action of a laser : treat with a laser
Examples of laser in a Sentence
Noun
doctors using a laser to perform delicate eye surgery
Recent Examples on the WebTaylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2024
The first quantum revolution created nuclear weapons and energy, global positioning systems, lasers, magnetic resonance imaging, and the chips that would power the rise of the personal computer.
—TIME, 29 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for laser 
Noun
There are lasers in the Middle East that are able to shoot drones out of the sky, burn them up.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2024
The first quantum revolution created nuclear weapons and energy, global positioning systems, lasers, magnetic resonance imaging, and the chips that would power the rise of the personal computer.
—TIME, 29 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for laser
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'laser.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near laser
Cite this Entry
“Laser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laser. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
laser
1 of 2 noun
la·ser
ˈlā-zər 
: a device that uses the natural vibrations of atoms or molecules to generate a narrow beam of light having a small frequency range
laser
2 of 2 verb
: to subject to the action of a laser
Etymology
Noun
light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
Medical Definition
laser
1 of 2 noun
la·ser
ˈlā-zər
: a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum
laser
2 of 2 transitive verb
: to subject to the action of a laser : treat with a laser
cutting a corneal flap to remove tissue and then lasering the area under it—Jenny Manzer
Jenny ManzerLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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