northern lights

plural noun

: aurora borealis

Examples of northern lights in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After the northern lights put on a dazzling show over North Dakota, Canada and Iceland earlier this week, the solar eruptions expected to stir up Wednesday night’s sky have been delayed or possibly missed Earth altogether. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026

Next was Whitehorse, Canada, located in the Yukon and renowned for northern lights viewing and epic outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter and hiking in the summer. — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2026

The leaves haven’t started changing colors just yet, but tonight’s sky may transform with shades of pink, green, and purple, thanks to a northern lights spectacle. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 8 Sep. 2026

Shop telescopes here Here's what to know about the northern lights forecast. — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for northern lights

• acolytes
• ammonites
• amorites
• analytes
• andesites
• appetites
• argillites
• astrocytes
• belemnites
• bryophytes
• canaanites
• carmelites

Kids Definition

northern lights

plural noun

: aurora borealis