light pollution

noun

: artificial skylight (as from city lights) that interferes especially with astronomical observations

Examples of light pollution 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.
Examples of extra light might include the glow of a face-up smartphone, radiance from a digital alarm clock or light pollution from outside. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 The Crescent Nebula is too faint to be spotted with the naked eye, but can be seen with a moderate-to-large telescope equipped with a light pollution filter throughout September. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, SpaceX has long worked to prevent its satellites from causing light pollution. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026 At Sal Salis Ningaloo, stay in safari-style eco-tents nestled in the dunes where the outback reaches the ocean, and stargaze far from urban light pollution. Stuart Rigg, Travel + Leisure, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for light pollution

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of light pollution was in 1969

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Cite this Entry

“Light pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light%20pollution. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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