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

Le Labo’s Amsterdam City Exclusive has an earthy, mossy quality, but cinnamon and pink pepper cut through with just enough brightness and spice to keep it feeling fresh. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

This allows for high-brightness laser output, which could translate to respectable daytime viewing so long as streaming sunlight doesn't crash the viewing party. — New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2026

Taste and season the salad generously before serving, and don’t skip the lemon wedges for an extra hit of brightness. — Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026

Each 1080p display also features 1,200-nit brightness for sunlight-readable text and supports touch with gloved or moist fingers. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 22 Sep. 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