starlight

noun

star·​light ˈstär-ˌlīt How to pronounce starlight (audio)
: the light given by the stars

Examples of starlight in a Sentence

We had to find our way by starlight.
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.
Using Gaia's measurements of how the thick interstellar dust blocks starlight — a process known as extinction — astronomers can trace both the location and density of the dust clouds. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 Sep. 2025 When looking for an atmosphere, astronomers wait for a planet to transit in front of its star and notice any minor changes in the starlight that filters through. Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025 The alligators of Arctic Canada lay motionless in the swamps to wait out months of polar night, as dawn redwoods filtered the starlight. Peter Brannen, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 The Series 11 also has access to a wider range of finishes as it is offered in four aluminum colors (jet black, rose gold, silver, and space gray) and three titanium colors (slate, gold, and natural), whereas the Watch SE 3 only comes in aluminum in midnight and starlight. PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for starlight

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Starlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starlight. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

starlight

noun
star·​light ˈstär-ˌlīt How to pronounce starlight (audio)
: the light given by the stars

More from Merriam-Webster on starlight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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