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.
To isolate the jet, the researchers carefully subtracted starlight, dust and background galaxies, leaving behind the most detailed infrared portrait of M87's outflow ever assembled, according to a paper the team published last week in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2025 At this great distance, only aggregate starlight appears, not individual stars. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 22 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 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 10 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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