lights-out

noun

1
: a command or signal for putting out lights
2
: a prescribed bedtime for persons living under discipline

Examples of lights-out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Indeed, Kobe Bryant could have related, the Lakers legend authoring several highlight shows that nevertheless ended in lights-out defeat. Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2023 To protect the drawings, Ms. D’Agostino said, visits will be kept to groups of four and limited to 15 minutes, with 45 minute lights-out periods in between to protect the drawings. Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2023 Imbimbo also was lights-out in the circle, firing an 81-pitch (60 strikes) shutout, allowing just two hits and a walk, striking out 11. Cam Kerry, BostonGlobe.com, 15 June 2023 The Mustangs were propelled to victory by a near lights-out performance on the mound by junior pitcher Preston Rau. Josh Reed, Anchorage Daily News, 9 May 2023 South Alabama and Troy each got lights-out pitching in one game of Friday’s baseball doubleheader at Stanky Field, resulting in a split. Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 29 Apr. 2023 After that, Wentz was lights-out. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 15 Apr. 2023 Yields were similarly elevated in the 1970s and 1990s, but one of those decades experienced subpar returns while the other saw lights-out performance. Ben Carlson, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2023 That spoiled a lights-out stretch defensively, wherein IU held Miami without a field goal over a seven-minute stretch and without a point for six minutes. Brian Haenchen, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lights-out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lights-out was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near lights-out

Cite this Entry

“Lights-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lights-out. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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