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Bengal light

noun

Ben·​gal light ˈben-gəl- How to pronounce Bengal light (audio)
ˌbeŋ-, 
-ˌgȯl-, 
-ˌgäl-
: a usually blue light or flare used formerly especially for signaling and illumination

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Bengal light was in 1783

Rhymes for Bengal light

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Browse Nearby Words

Bengal kino
Bengal light
Bengal monkey
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Cite this Entry

“Bengal light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bengal%20light. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Bengal light

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Bengal light

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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