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

While that shower is known for producing bright, slow-moving fireballs in the night sky, the brightness of the full moon is expected to dim the display of meteors. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025

It can be worn with anything from a tailored peacoat to a puffer coat to an off-duty shearling style; choose a splashy tomato color, like this Suzie Kondi cashmere one, for a hit of brightness to liven up the winter blues. —Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025

As opposed to overly recessed ceiling fixtures, ambient chandelier lighting can also add a comfortable level of brightness without causing a glare or harsh lighting colors, according to Deana Concilio-Lenz, founder of Deana Lenz Interiors in New York City. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 18 Dec. 2025

Wash Whites Together To maintain the brightness of your whites, just washing them alone can make a major difference. —Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for brightness

• lightness
• rightness
• tightness
• whiteness
• 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