light up

phrasal verb

1

of a light : to become lit : to begin shining

All of the lights on the display suddenly lit up.

—often used figuratively to express interest or pleasure

His eyes/face lit up when she walked in the room.

2

informal, of a telephone : to show a light indicating that someone is calling

When the DJ announced a contest, the phones lit up.

3

informal : to light a cigarette

I can't wait to light up after work.

Examples of light up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some research also shows that highly emotional events light up the brain in certain ways — and that light doesn’t switch off as soon as the event ends. —Anna Medaris, Vox, 21 July 2024

Guided by Spielberg, the same digit would reach out, light up, and touch the brow of Elliott, the young human hero, in a climactic blessing. —Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024

Smokers or vape users who light up indoors should wash their curtains monthly, too. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2024

Michael Marshall, left, of Paso Robles and Dalton Smith, center, of Templeton watch the sky light up with fireworks over Huntington Beach. —Allen J. Schaben, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2024