Bengal light

noun

Ben·gal light ˈben-gəl-

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

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Bengal light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bengal%20light. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 4 Nov 2025 - Definition revised

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