neon

play

noun ne·on \ ˈnē-ˌän \

Definition of neon

1 :a colorless odorless mostly inert gaseous element that is found in minute amounts in air and is used in electric lamps — see Chemical Elements Table

2 a :a discharge lamp in which the gas contains a large proportion of neon

b :a sign composed of such lamps

c :the illumination provided by such lamps or signs

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neoned

play \ˈnē-ˌänd\ adjective

See neon defined for English-language learners

See neon defined for kids

Recent Examples of neon from the Web

The future looks dim for Hong Kong’s famed neon lights.

— kelvin chan, The Seattle Times, "New rules, tech are dimming Hong Kong’s signature neon glow," 30 Aug. 2017
The plasma rocket, the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR), works by heating neon or argon gas to incredibly high temperatures using magnetic fields.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "NASA's New Plasma Rocket Ready For Testing," 10 Aug. 2017
Playboy, a floribunda with vivid gold-orange blooms, is very popular, and so too is Playboy’s companion, the hot-neon-pink Playgirl.

— rita perwich, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Single-petal rose varieties can really turn on the charm," 3 Aug. 2017
How have these synthetic, neon, bum bags made their way out of thrift stores and our Generation Y parent's closets?

— thomas novelly, The Courier-Journal, "The Fannys of Forecastle – festival attendees show off their Fanny Packs," 16 July 2017
There was nothing quite like '80s fashion, with its whimsical earrings, velour tube tops, and all-neon-everything—and no pastime quite as entertaining as looking back on all of these distinct styles with fondness (and some distance).

— jessica radloff, Glamour, "Netflix's 'Glow' Brings Back The Most Delightful '80s Fashion," 14 July 2017
In Your Closet: Think futuristic fashions — bright neons, unexpected textures and patterns, metallics jewel.

— ruby warrington and alexandra roxo, Teen Vogue, "Monthly Horoscopes July 2017," 30 June 2017
At the Blacklight Slide, participants in inner tubes descend a slide filled with neon, glow-in-the-dark water that makes for an enlightening experience.

— dan kelly, kansascity.com, "KC events June 29-July 5: Blacklight Slide, Storytelling Conference, Joel McHale," 27 June 2017
Duke Energy owns another office building a block away on Stonewall Street that dates to 1975, a brown cube with neon lights on the side that’s long been an uptown landmark.

— ely portillo, charlotteobserver, "Duke Energy files plans for 35-story tower in uptown Charlotte," 21 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of neon

Greek, neuter of neos new — more at new

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1898

See Words from the same year

neon

adjective

Definition of neon

1 :of, relating to, or using neon

2 :extremely bright :fluorescent

neon yellow

See neon defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of neon from the Web

Around 10:15 a.m. Pacific Time, the moon completely blotted out the sun overhead in Madras, Oregon, leaving just the sun’s corona — its outermost layer — glowing like neon embroidery around a black orb.

— jen kirby, Daily Intelligencer, "The Solar Eclipse Is Here," 21 Aug. 2017
Rocket Neon has been commissioned to make two neon signs for the eatery, one of which will hang above the take-out window.

— james patrick kelly, idahostatesman, "Calle 75 Street Tacos plans a late-summer opening in Downtown Boise," 27 July 2017
By then, the neon sign had been dark for more than two years.

— ian cummings, kansascity, "At KC’s Western Auto building, residents try to relight an iconic neon sign," 26 July 2017
In the center, glowing bright neon purple and green, the tallest free-standing elevator in the United States shoots to the Pyramid’s apex.

— cort gatliff, Southern Living, "An Afternoon at the Memphis Pyramid Bass Pro Superstore," 11 July 2017
This makes sense, given that lightning bugs are relatively slow-flying insects that flit about with the equivalent of a neon billboard on their butts.

— jason bittel, Smithsonian, "Illuminating the Secret Language of Lightning Bugs," 4 July 2017
Perhaps your neon forearm tattoo with the name of your high school sweetheart wasn't your brightest move ever.

— healthday, chicagotribune.com, "Tattoo remorse? What you need to know about erasing your ink," 3 July 2017
The Enquirer/Nancy Daly ELSMERE – Dusing Bros.' glowing 1930s neon sign advertising ice and beer will be preserved after the Northern Kentucky icon closes June 30.

— chris mayhew, Cincinnati.com, "Dusing Bros. neon sign likely headed for museum," 27 June 2017
The fire was a result of a electrical issue with a neon sign, firefighters said.

— wbtv, charlotteobserver, "Electrical issue with neon sign causes south Charlotte shopping center fire," 23 June 2017

First Known Use of neon

1904

NEON Defined for English Language Learners

neon

play

noun

Definition of neon for English Language Learners

: a type of gas that is used in brightly colored electric signs and lights

neon

adjective

Definition of neon for English Language Learners

: using neon
: extremely bright

NEON Defined for Kids

neon

play

noun ne·on \ ˈnē-ˌän \

Definition of neon for Students

:a colorless gaseous chemical element found in very small amounts in the air and used in electric lights

Medical Dictionary

neon

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noun ne·on \ ˈnē-ˌän \

medical Definition of neon

:a colorless odorless primarily inert gaseous element found in minute amounts in air and used in electric lamps —symbol Ne — see Chemical Elements Table