Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

enlightener

noun
en·​light·​en·​er | \ -t(ᵊ)nə(r)\
plural -s

Definition of enlightener

: one that enlightens

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of enlightener

1582, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about enlightener

Statistics for enlightener

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for enlightener

The first known use of enlightener was in 1582

See more words from the same year

Comments on enlightener

What made you want to look up enlightener? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

yen

Listen to the pronounciation of yen

a strong desire or propensity

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

  • stylized drawing of woman pole vaulting across gap to get trophy
  • Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games