plural lights
1
a
: something that makes vision possible
b
: the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
c
: electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength that travels in a vacuum with a speed of 299,792,458 meters (about 186,000 miles) per second
specifically
: such radiation that is visible to the human eye
3
: a source of light: such as
a
: a celestial body
As night fell the lights in the sky multiplied.
b
: candle
put a light in the window
c
: an electric light
4
a
: a color of notable lightness : a light or pale color
—usually plural
Bartlett allows his preliminary wash or grisaille to dry and then applies transparent layers of broken color. Into this wash he adds the lights and darks as they have been mapped out underneath.—
Harley Bartlett
Harley Bartlett
b
lights plural
: clothing that is light in color
always washed his lights separately from his darks
5
archaic
: sight sense 4a
6
a
: spiritual illumination
the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it—John 1:5 (Revised Standard Version)
John 1:5 (Revised Standard Version)
b
c
: enlightenment
reaching out and groping for a pathway to the light—B. N. Cardozo
B. N. Cardozo
d
: truth
7
a
: public knowledge
facts brought to light
b
: a particular aspect or appearance presented to view
saw the matter in a different light
8
: a particular illumination
9
: something that enlightens or informs
shed some light on the problem
10
: a medium (such as a window) through which light is admitted
11
lights plural
: a set of principles, standards, or opinions
worship according to one's lights—Adrienne Koch
Adrienne Koch12
: a noteworthy person in a particular place or field
a literary light among current writers
see also leading light
13
: a particular expression of the eye
listened with a fiery light burning in her eyes—Sherwood Anderson
Sherwood Anderson14
a
: lighthouse, beacon
b
15
: the representation of light in art
16
: a flame for lighting something (such as a cigarette)
lighter; lightest
1
: having light : bright
a light airy room
2
a
: not intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation : not dark : pale
light hair
b
of colors
: medium in saturation and high in lightness
light blue
3
of coffee
: served with extra milk or cream
lit
ˈlit 
or lighted; lighting
or lighted; lighting
1
: to become light : brighten
—usually used with up
her face lit up
2
: to take fire
3
: to ignite something (such as a cigarette)
—often used with up
1
: to set fire to
2
a
: to conduct with a light : guide
b
: illuminate
rockets light up the sky
1
a
: having little weight : not heavy
b
: designed to carry a comparatively small load
a light truck
c
: having relatively little weight in proportion to bulk
aluminum is a light metal
d
: containing less than the legal, standard, or usual weight
a light coin
2
a
: of little importance : trivial
b
: not abundant
light rain
a light lunch
3
4
a
: easily endurable
a light illness
b
: requiring little effort
light work
5
: capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
light on his feet
6
a
: frivolous sense 1a
light conduct
b
: lacking in stability : changeable
light opinions
c
: sexually promiscuous
7
: free from care : cheerful
8
: less powerful but usually more mobile than usual for its kind
light cavalry
a light cruiser
9
a
: made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (such as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual
b
: having a relatively mild flavor
10
a
: easily digested
a light soup
b
: well leavened
a light crust
11
: coarse and sandy or easily pulverized
light soil
13
: intended chiefly to entertain
light verse
light comedy
14
a
: carrying little or no cargo
the ship returned light
b
: producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer
light industry
15
: not bearing a stress or accent
a light syllable
16
: having a clear soft quality
a light voice
17
: being in debt to the pot in a poker game
three chips light
18
: short sense 5d
light on experience
19
: casual, occasional
a light smoker
lit
ˈlit
or lighted; lighting
or lighted; lighting
Phrases
in the light of
1
: from the point of view of
2
or in light of
: in view of
In light of their findings, new procedures were established.
: to attack forcefully
I lit into that food until I'd finished off the heel of the loaf—Helen Eustis
Helen EustisSynonyms
Noun
Adjective (1)
Verb (1)
Adjective (2)
Verb (2)
Examples of light in a Sentence
Noun
The landscape was bathed in light.
a photograph taken in low light
the light of the moon
a mixture of light and shadow
The windows let fresh air and light into the room.
The lights suddenly went out.
The lights suddenly came on.
the twinkling lights of the city below
the bright lights of Broadway
The lights are on, so there must be somebody at home.
Recent Examples on the WebBriley Lewis, Popular Science, 18 Apr. 2024
Cue a makeover, which sees the social wallflower swap her pastels and floral motifs for a darker and more sensual color palette—one which catches the eye of Luke Newton’s Colin Bridgerton, her lifelong friend who, over time, begins to see her in a whole new light.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2024
Lawsuit: Teacher disclosed video 'inadvertently' The lawsuit contends that the video of the boy being beaten would not have seen the light of day except that Johnican accidentally disclosed it during a parent-teacher conference in late October or early November.
—Tony Cook, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024
Normalization serves an important purpose: to destigmatize and educate, to extract truth from the shadows and cast it in the light.
—Maytal Eyal and Bridget Freihart, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024
In the video, a mountain lion can be seen passing within several feet of the home, strolling into the glare of a porch light before disappearing into the dark.
—Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2024
Use it in light green in a sunroom for a bright touch of color, or try the dark plum in a bathroom for a moody moment.
—Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2024
The paramedics had just turned onto Al Majdal Street, the lights of the ambulance flashing, when Zeino reported that a green laser was hovering just in front of them.
—Cate Brown, Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2024
For babies who are working on mastering holding their heads up through tummy time, entertainment can be engaging lights and sounds, contrasting colors for visual stimulation, and tactile surfaces for physical exploration.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 6 Apr. 2024
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2024
The airline won thanks to its policy to never allow miles to expire, its high number of destinations and partner airlines, and the value earned by every category of traveler (light, average, and frequent).
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2024
With a large range of sizes — from 32 to 38 and A to DDD — along with both dark and light shades available, this bra is a solid option for anyone in need of some strapless support.
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024
Just keeping it light hearted, not over-complicating it and trying to make the game bigger than us.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2024
The 11-year-old iconic bi-pedal giant will be replaced by a much lighter, all electric successor.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2024
Due to a lighter wind and abundant sunshine, highs will reach the mid to upper 70s.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 17 Apr. 2024
One inch of the coral’s light brown tips was bumpy with living polyps, while the rest was dull white, resembling a dead tree branch.
—Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024
In time, the pink tablecloth was joined by an eel, a turtleneck sweater, tulips, a set of bicycle handlebars, the elevator, amphorae, portholes, a hairy goat, bricks, the light switch, and 39 other rather unlikely items from the past several thousand years.
—Paul Croughton, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2024
Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2024
For best use: light your candle, dim the lights, take in the smells, and relax.
—Valerie Butler, Essence, 19 Apr. 2024
The beam is lit following every win There was no fooling readers with this question.
—Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 19 Apr. 2024
The family home was lit by kerosene, without running water, and an hour of staticky television was available only when her father, Alfred, a professional carpenter, fired up the gas generator.
—Patricia Leigh Brown, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024
By Amy Poehler April 17, 2024 6:56 AM EDT
Maya Rudolph is a super talent who is lit from within.
—Amy Poehler, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024
Paris Olympic medals to feature pieces of iron from the Eiffel Tower
Paris Olympic medals to feature pieces of iron from the Eiffel Tower 00:33
The Olympic flame has been lit in Olympia, Greece, kicking off the torch relay for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
—Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2024
The Olympic flame was lit at the birthplace of the Games in Greece on Tuesday in a ceremony rich with ancient traditions that will launch a torch relay culminating in Paris on July 26.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 16 Apr. 2024
The viewer is treated to a full 1980s experience – slick streets with steam coming out heating vents, neon lit nights – combined with Hollywood touches like Hollywood backlots and sound stages.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024
Staff Author, Health, 18 Jan. 2024
That Star Filter is a lightweight complexion booster that can be worn solo or mixed into makeup; it's formulated with vitamin E to nourish and light-bouncing mineral pigments for celeb-worthy radiance.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 7 July 2023
Instead of shuttling back and forth, the vitamin A complex stays put in the retina, where one wavelength of light bends the light-sensing molecule, while another unbends it.
—Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 10 Apr. 2023
Dryness may follow, and with no blood vessels of its own, the light-catching cornea relies on tears and the aqueous humour inside the eye for replenishment.
—Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2023
Casper Snoozewear Sleep Mask If Dad takes the night shift and sleeps during the day, this light-blocking eye mask will become a newborn life MVP.
—Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Mar. 2023
Another batter — light-hitting 151-pound utility man Sergio Alcántara — smoked a double off the wall.
—Evan Grant, Dallas News, 7 Mar. 2023
Our testers found the drinks flavorful but light-bodied so this is best for someone that doesn’t like extremely strong coffee drinks.
—Jamie Kim, Good Housekeeping, 28 Feb. 2023
Noun
For example, if a telescope is observing in visible light, wavelengths can directly map to colors we’re used to seeing.
—Briley Lewis, Popular Science, 18 Apr. 2024
Cue a makeover, which sees the social wallflower swap her pastels and floral motifs for a darker and more sensual color palette—one which catches the eye of Luke Newton’s Colin Bridgerton, her lifelong friend who, over time, begins to see her in a whole new light.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2024
Lawsuit: Teacher disclosed video 'inadvertently' The lawsuit contends that the video of the boy being beaten would not have seen the light of day except that Johnican accidentally disclosed it during a parent-teacher conference in late October or early November.
—Tony Cook, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024
Normalization serves an important purpose: to destigmatize and educate, to extract truth from the shadows and cast it in the light.
—Maytal Eyal and Bridget Freihart, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024
In the video, a mountain lion can be seen passing within several feet of the home, strolling into the glare of a porch light before disappearing into the dark.
—Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2024
Use it in light green in a sunroom for a bright touch of color, or try the dark plum in a bathroom for a moody moment.
—Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2024
The paramedics had just turned onto Al Majdal Street, the lights of the ambulance flashing, when Zeino reported that a green laser was hovering just in front of them.
—Cate Brown, Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2024
For babies who are working on mastering holding their heads up through tummy time, entertainment can be engaging lights and sounds, contrasting colors for visual stimulation, and tactile surfaces for physical exploration.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 6 Apr. 2024
Adjective
Citronella plants need full sunlight to thrive but can tolerate light afternoon shade—especially in regions with punishingly hot summers.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2024
The airline won thanks to its policy to never allow miles to expire, its high number of destinations and partner airlines, and the value earned by every category of traveler (light, average, and frequent).
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2024
With a large range of sizes — from 32 to 38 and A to DDD — along with both dark and light shades available, this bra is a solid option for anyone in need of some strapless support.
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024
Just keeping it light hearted, not over-complicating it and trying to make the game bigger than us.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2024
The 11-year-old iconic bi-pedal giant will be replaced by a much lighter, all electric successor.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2024
Due to a lighter wind and abundant sunshine, highs will reach the mid to upper 70s.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 17 Apr. 2024
One inch of the coral’s light brown tips was bumpy with living polyps, while the rest was dull white, resembling a dead tree branch.
—Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024
In time, the pink tablecloth was joined by an eel, a turtleneck sweater, tulips, a set of bicycle handlebars, the elevator, amphorae, portholes, a hairy goat, bricks, the light switch, and 39 other rather unlikely items from the past several thousand years.
—Paul Croughton, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2024
Verb
Also for the first time, The Underline will have lighting after dark and rest stops with water fountains.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2024
For best use: light your candle, dim the lights, take in the smells, and relax.
—Valerie Butler, Essence, 19 Apr. 2024
The beam is lit following every win There was no fooling readers with this question.
—Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 19 Apr. 2024
The family home was lit by kerosene, without running water, and an hour of staticky television was available only when her father, Alfred, a professional carpenter, fired up the gas generator.
—Patricia Leigh Brown, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024
By Amy Poehler April 17, 2024 6:56 AM EDT
Maya Rudolph is a super talent who is lit from within.
—Amy Poehler, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024
Paris Olympic medals to feature pieces of iron from the Eiffel Tower
Paris Olympic medals to feature pieces of iron from the Eiffel Tower 00:33
The Olympic flame has been lit in Olympia, Greece, kicking off the torch relay for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
—Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2024
The Olympic flame was lit at the birthplace of the Games in Greece on Tuesday in a ceremony rich with ancient traditions that will launch a torch relay culminating in Paris on July 26.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 16 Apr. 2024
The viewer is treated to a full 1980s experience – slick streets with steam coming out heating vents, neon lit nights – combined with Hollywood touches like Hollywood backlots and sound stages.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024
Adverb
Dark spots can indicate the presence of mold, and gray-blackish (or possibly light pink) slimy scum suggests biofilm, a substance secreted by microorganisms.
—Staff Author, Health, 18 Jan. 2024
That Star Filter is a lightweight complexion booster that can be worn solo or mixed into makeup; it's formulated with vitamin E to nourish and light-bouncing mineral pigments for celeb-worthy radiance.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 7 July 2023
Instead of shuttling back and forth, the vitamin A complex stays put in the retina, where one wavelength of light bends the light-sensing molecule, while another unbends it.
—Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 10 Apr. 2023
Dryness may follow, and with no blood vessels of its own, the light-catching cornea relies on tears and the aqueous humour inside the eye for replenishment.
—Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2023
Casper Snoozewear Sleep Mask If Dad takes the night shift and sleeps during the day, this light-blocking eye mask will become a newborn life MVP.
—Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Mar. 2023
Another batter — light-hitting 151-pound utility man Sergio Alcántara — smoked a double off the wall.
—Evan Grant, Dallas News, 7 Mar. 2023
Our testers found the drinks flavorful but light-bodied so this is best for someone that doesn’t like extremely strong coffee drinks.
—Jamie Kim, Good Housekeeping, 28 Feb. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'light.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near light
Cite this Entry
“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
light
1 of 6 noun1
a
: something that makes vision possible
b
: the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual sense organs
c
: electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength (as infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and X-rays) and traveling in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,000 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second
especially
: such radiation that is visible to the human eye
2
: daylight sense 1
by dawn's early light
3
: a source (as a lamp) of light
turn on the light
4
a
: public knowledge
facts brought to light
b
: a particular appearance presented to view
were shown in a bad light by the lawyer
I see the matter in a different light now
5
: a particular illumination
by the light of the moon
6
: something that helps one to know or understand
shed light on a problem
7
: a noted person : leading light
8
a
: lighthouse, beacon
b
: traffic signal
turn left at the next light
9
: a flame for lighting something
light
3 of 6 verb
lighted or lit
ˈlit
; lighting
; lighting
1
: to make or become bright
—often used with up
2
: to cause to burn or begin to burn
—often used with up
3
: to lead with a light
light a guest up the stairs
light
4 of 6 adjective1
a
: having little or less than usual weight : not heavy
b
: designed to carry a small load
light truck
2
3
a
: easily disturbed
a light sleeper
b
: putting forth little force or pressure : gentle
a light touch
4
: not hard to bear, do, pay, or digest
light punishment
light exercise
light food
5
: capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
light on one's feet
6
: intended chiefly to entertain
light reading
light verse
7
: made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as fat)
light salad dressing
8
: having a spongy or fluffy quality
light pastry
9
: producing goods that will be sold to the people who use them rather than to another manufacturer
light industry
lightly
adverb
lightness
noun
light
5 of 6 adverb1
: in a light manner
2
: with little baggage
traveling light
Etymology
Noun
Old English lēoht "light, that which makes seeing possible"
Adjective
Old English lēoht "not heavy"
Verb
Old English līhtan "to come down off something or out of the air"
Medical Definition
light
1 of 2 noun1
a
: the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
b
: an electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range including infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and X-rays and traveling in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second
specifically
: the part of this range that is visible to the human eye
2
: a source of light
light
2 of 2 adjective
variants
or lite
: made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual
light salad dressing
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