1
: a device for regulating the intensity of an electric lighting unit
2

dimmer

2 of 2

comparative of dim entry 1

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.
Noun
But the longer the current stalemate lasts, the dimmer that prospect grows. Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026 The Marlins’ fleeting, flickering hopes of a playoff berth grew dimmer Saturday when the Cubs beat them for the second day in a row, continuing an inauspicious start to an important nine-game homestand. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026 But a strange pattern has emerged in rpTDES; each successive flare can become dimmer. Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 What started as replacing lightbulbs and downloading a dimmer app has led to electronic locks, video doorbells and smart thermostats. Jon Viner, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dimmer

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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 20 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster