brighter; brightest
1
: producing a lot of light
a bright light
The lighting was too bright.
: filled with light
a bright room with lots of windows
It was a bright, sunny day.
2
: having a very light and strong color
The room was decorated in bright colors.
a bright red
bright blue eyes
3
a
: able to learn things quickly : intelligent
—used especially to describe a young person
a bright child
a bright young journalist
b
: showing intelligence : clever
a bright idea
—often used in a joking or ironic way to describe a foolish idea, action, etc.Walking on the railroad bridge wasn't too bright.
Whose bright idea was it to leave the refrigerator open?
4
: happy and lively
a bright smile
5
: providing a reason for hope
a young actress with a bright [=promising] future
Brighter days are ahead. [=things will improve in the future]
The prospects for the team are bright. [=good]
Cite this Entry
“Bright.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/bright. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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