alighted

variants also alit
past tense of alight
1
as in perched
to come to rest after descending from the air a flock of eight swans circled above, then alighted on the pond

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2
as in dismounted
to come down from something (as a vehicle) as she alighted from the train, she momentarily lost her footing

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of alighted BookTok’s preferences may skew toward familiar beats and blunt-force sensation, but in Harpman the hive mind has alighted on something more capacious and slippery. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 According to the latest available rail passenger statistics, a grand total of 76 people have alighted or boarded at Shippea Hill in the previous 12 months. — Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026 Most alighted in specially erected tent tunnels and, to the disappointment of the crowds of Swifties waiting in the 40°C heat, there were no sightings of the happy couple. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 11 July 2026 Its blockbuster Art Deco-at-100 show wrapped its run last month and attracted more than 500,000 visitors, while its Iris Van Herpen retrospective recently alighted at the Brooklyn Museum, further elaborating on centuries of Franco-American friendship and cultural exchange. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 26 May 2026 Four alighted on a paper towel dispenser. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 In Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait from 1940, two gossamer lepidoptera have alighted on her head. — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2025 The Super Beetle, called the 1301, alighted in 1971 with a 60 hp, 1,585 cc engine. — Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025 In the wake of such revelations, Jones needed to free his Temple from the threat of government interference and alighted upon Guyana as a new home. — Sarah Rex, JSTOR Daily, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alighted
Verb
  • The glass vases, bowls, and dishes feature a sweet little bird perched atop each one.
    — Eleni N. Gage, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The 18-story Plaza Hotel has been perched on Fifth Avenue since 1907 and was designed by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, The New York Times reported.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Buck has long since dismounted from his high horse, but people who live in glass houses that are also occupied by Mike Darnell should probably be a bit more judicious when hucking rocks.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the owner of the carriage involved in the fatal crash suspended the driver indefinitely and plans to retire the horse, according to union officials, who said the driver improperly dismounted to take a photograph of his passengers.
    — Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Chance had five punts land inside the Baylor 20-yard line, including two that landed inside the Bears’ 5-yard line.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Some artifacts found on the island indicate Earhart and Noonan’s plane may have landed there, including glass bottles from the 1930s and a woman’s makeup compact, the expedition said.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • After this news and Tusk’s vocal campaign in support of Ukraine and against any possible Russian hybrid attacks, NATO and international leaders descended upon Warsaw for the international forum.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The statement said the weapon separated from its booster rocket at the planned altitude, then descended and maneuvered both vertically and horizontally before hitting a test target.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Scores of new fathers kissed their babies for the first time, couples cried and embraced and hundreds of parents let out a collective sigh of relief as the crew disembarked on the north end of the Coronado peninsula.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The third pilot flew it to Saudi Arabia, where the plane landed and the passengers disembarked.
    — Anna Burd, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alighted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alighted. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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