laser

noun, often attributive la·ser \ ˈlā-zər \

Updated on: 13 May 2018

Definition of laser

1 : a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum; also : the beam of coherent radiation itself

The cesium fluoresced. This told them they had the necessary population of excited atoms to produce a laser.
—Nick Taylor

2 : something resembling a laser beam in accuracy, speed, or intensity

threw a laser into the end zone

a laser stare

See laser defined for English-language learners

See laser defined for kids

Examples of laser in a Sentence

doctors using a laser to perform delicate eye surgery

Recent Examples of laser from the Web

Aside from the wow-factor go-cart track, Bliss also brings a laser-tag course and water slide that sends riders out over the ocean and more.

— richard tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Norwegian Bliss first new ship of 2018 to make it to North America," 8 May 2018
The old AMF Davie Lanes has changed names and is now the Bowlero, which offers bowling, games, and laser tag, in addition to billards and an arcade.

— staff report, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Former Davie Lanes building opens as Bowlero," 8 May 2018
NOTABLE Will Moran saved the game for Jesuit in the eighth inning with a laser beam throw from right.

— jim derry, NOLA.com, "Re-live the top plays from a zany St. Paul's-Jesuit 12-inning thriller," 6 May 2018
Visitors can expect indoor electric go-karts, laser tag, arcade games, bumper cars, blacklight mini-golf, escape rooms, a video game theater, mini bowling, two 4-D theaters and a bouncing inflatable arena.

— mallorie sullivan, Cincinnati.com, "This former Macy's is set to become the largest indoor entertainment center in the U.S.," 5 May 2018
Imagine a massive machine that burns each jeans with a laser beam—very futuristic.

— tara lamont-djite, Marie Claire, "Why You Should Invest In These AG Jeans," 2 May 2018
Serikaku said optics involves positioning mirrors to direct a laser beam toward a target.

— steve sadin, chicagotribune.com, "Glenbrook South gymnast Lucas Pauker keeps busy with multiple state meets," 1 May 2018
For example, tables equipped with mirrors guide laser beams that blind the infrared seekers on the tips of missiles.

— joe pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "What Happens to a Cruise Missile Captured by the Russians," 26 Apr. 2018
In one spot, a bunch of Harden-head nesting dolls pop open, including one that has laser beams shooting from its eyes.

— devin gordon, GQ, "James Harden Isn't Playing Around," 12 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'laser.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of laser

light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1957

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

laser

verb

Definition of laser

transitive verb

: to subject to the action of a laser : treat with a laser

Recent Examples of laser from the Web

The women, weaponized in power heels, stand equally vertical, meeting the men laser eye to laser eye.

— james wolcott, HWD, "Confessions of a Suits Fan: Why the Legal Drama That Launched Meghan Markle Works," 27 Apr. 2018
Satellite dishes mark the main gate of Fort Gordon, eggshell white and lasering up at the moon.

— matt gallagher, WIRED, "Army of 01101111: The Making of a Cyber Battalion," 27 Mar. 2018
Missouri’s first touchdown came when Lock lasered the ball to J’Mon Moore along the left sideline midway through the second quarter.

— aaron reiss, kansascity, "Missouri QB Drew Lock, offense put up some impressive numbers in loss to Kentucky," 7 Oct. 2017
Two plays later, facing third and 18, Mahomes lasered a pass toward the left sideline that was both nearly a spectacular completion to Seantavius Jones and perhaps a step from being a pick-six for defensive back Kalan Reed.

— vahe gregorian, kansascity, "Next step in Mahomes’ development: Break glass only in case of emergency," 31 Aug. 2017
Four days later, Darvish debuted in his new team’s gray and blue road uniforms, lasering fastballs and looping curves for seven shutout innings.

— robert o'connell, The Atlantic, "The Dodgers Aim for History—and a Championship," 9 Aug. 2017
Now, according to Jill Kargman, creator of Bravo’s scripted series Odd Mom Out, which studies and satirizes the Upper East Side, the Gold Coast is obsessed with lasering their vaginal wall.

— katie van syckle, The Cut, "Vaginal Tightening Is Apparently a Hot Trend on the Upper East Side," 14 July 2017
Kizer, who lasered a shot to a leaping David Njoku in the end zone for a TD in one team period, struggled later in his two-minute drill.

— mary kay cabot, cleveland.com, "Hue Jackson put DeShone Kizer 1st in QB rotation because 'I've got to see him with good people'," 14 June 2017
While the sisters get lasered, Kourtney invites her sisters to a pinball competition at her friend’s husband’s new restaurant.

— mariah smith, The Cut, "Even Kardashians Are Told to Freeze Their Eggs," 12 June 2017

First Known Use of laser

1978

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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LASER Defined for English Language Learners

laser

noun

Definition of laser for English Language Learners

: a device that produces a narrow and powerful beam of light that has many special uses in medicine, industry, etc.

LASER Defined for Kids

laser

noun la·ser \ ˈlā-zər \

Definition of laser for Students

: a device that produces a very powerful beam of light

Medical Dictionary

laser

noun la·ser \ ˈlā-zər \

medical Definition of laser

: a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum