often attributive
1
: a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum
also
: the beam of coherent radiation itself
The cesium fluoresced. This told them they had the necessary population of excited atoms to produce a laser. —
Nick Taylor
Nick Taylor 2
: something resembling a laser beam in accuracy, speed, or intensity
threw a laser into the end zone
a laser stare
lasered; lasering; lasers
: to subject to the action of a laser : treat with a laser
Examples of laser in a Sentence
Noun
doctors using a laser to perform delicate eye surgery
Recent Examples on the WebJohn Ismay, New York Times, 11 May 2024
Some live drumming Wednesday added some oomph, and there were the usual bells and whistles — flashy video, smoke machines, lasers.
—Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for laser 
Noun
But in the late 1960s, Texas Instruments developed a kit called Paveway that gave the Mark 80 far greater accuracy by adding parts to the bomb’s nose and tail that allowed the bomb to steer itself to a target using lasers shined from warplanes above.
—John Ismay, New York Times, 11 May 2024
Some live drumming Wednesday added some oomph, and there were the usual bells and whistles — flashy video, smoke machines, lasers.
—Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for laser
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'laser.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near laser
Cite this Entry
“Laser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laser. Accessed 17 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
laser
1 of 2 noun
la·ser
ˈlā-zər 
: a device that uses the natural vibrations of atoms or molecules to generate a narrow beam of light having a small frequency range
laser
2 of 2 verb
: to subject to the action of a laser
Etymology
Noun
light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
Medical Definition
laser
1 of 2 noun
la·ser
ˈlā-zər
: a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum
laser
2 of 2 transitive verb
: to subject to the action of a laser : treat with a laser
cutting a corneal flap to remove tissue and then lasering the area under it—Jenny Manzer
Jenny ManzerLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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