northern lights

plural noun

Examples of northern lights 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.
The Arctic Circle is the best place for northern lights viewing; vivid auroral shows are expected in Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and Iceland. Megan Eaves, Outside, 16 Mar. 2026 Want to capture the perfect northern lights photo? Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2026 These charged particle collisions cause atoms in the atmosphere to glow in different colors, producing the northern lights. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026 In the past two years, the northern lights, which peaked in October 2024, have appeared in skies as far south as Florida and Mexico and in urban centers stretching from San Francisco to Washington. Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for northern lights

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of northern lights was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Northern lights.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/northern%20lights. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

northern lights

plural noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster