dimmer

noun

dim·​mer ˈdi-mər How to pronounce dimmer (audio)
1
: a device for regulating the intensity of an electric lighting unit
2

Examples of dimmer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Orionid meteor shower will unfold against a pristinely dark, moonless sky — unlike the Perseids, whose August peak was somewhat ruined by the light cast by a waning gibbous moon that hid dimmer members of the shower from view. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2025 These satellites will reflect light roughly 15,000 times dimmer than the midday sun but remain brighter than a full moon. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025 When opting for a single pendant or simple chandelier, designer Lauren Lowe of Lauren Elaine Interiors suggests a dimmer for more diffused lighting distribution. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025 While our villa had not been recently refreshed, the only telltale sign was the excessively large switches and dimmers trailing up the walls. Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dimmer

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dimmer was circa 1896

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dimmer. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

dimmer

noun
dim·​mer ˈdim-ər How to pronounce dimmer (audio)
1
: a device for controlling the amount of light from an electric lighting unit (as the headlights of an automobile or the lights of a room)
2

More from Merriam-Webster on dimmer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!