light

1 of 6

noun

plural lights
1
a
: something that makes vision possible
b
: the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
c
: electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength that travels in a vacuum with a speed of 299,792,458 meters (about 186,000 miles) per second
specifically : such radiation that is visible to the human eye
2
a
: daylight
was up each morning at the first lightFrank O'Connor
b
: dawn
3
: a source of light: such as
a
: a celestial body
As night fell the lights in the sky multiplied.
b
: candle
put a light in the window
c
: an electric light
4
a
: a color of notable lightness : a light or pale color
usually plural
Bartlett allows his preliminary wash or grisaille to dry and then applies transparent layers of broken color. Into this wash he adds the lights and darks as they have been mapped out underneath.Harley Bartlett
b
lights plural : clothing that is light in color
always washed his lights separately from his darks
5
archaic : sight sense 4a
6
a
: spiritual illumination
the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome itJohn 1:5 (Revised Standard Version)
c
: enlightenment
reaching out and groping for a pathway to the lightB. N. Cardozo
d
: truth
7
a
: public knowledge
facts brought to light
b
: a particular aspect or appearance presented to view
saw the matter in a different light
8
: a particular illumination
9
: something that enlightens or informs
shed some light on the problem
10
: a medium (such as a window) through which light is admitted
11
lights plural : a set of principles, standards, or opinions
worship according to one's lightsAdrienne Koch
12
: a noteworthy person in a particular place or field
a literary light among current writers
see also leading light
13
: a particular expression of the eye
listened with a fiery light burning in her eyesSherwood Anderson
14
15
: the representation of light in art
16
: a flame for lighting something (such as a cigarette)

light

2 of 6

adjective (1)

lighter; lightest
1
: having light : bright
a light airy room
2
a
: not intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation : not dark : pale
light hair
b
of colors : medium in saturation and high in lightness
light blue
3
of coffee : served with extra milk or cream

light

3 of 6

verb (1)

lit ˈlit How to pronounce light (audio) or lighted; lighting

intransitive verb

1
: to become light : brighten
usually used with up
her face lit up
2
: to take fire
3
: to ignite something (such as a cigarette)
often used with up

transitive verb

1
: to set fire to
2
a
: to conduct with a light : guide
b
: illuminate
rockets light up the sky
c
: animate, brighten
a smile lit up her face

light

4 of 6

adjective (2)

1
a
: having little weight : not heavy
b
: designed to carry a comparatively small load
a light truck
c
: having relatively little weight in proportion to bulk
aluminum is a light metal
d
: containing less than the legal, standard, or usual weight
a light coin
2
a
: of little importance : trivial
b
: not abundant
light rain
a light lunch
3
a
: easily disturbed
a light sleeper
b
: exerting a minimum of force or pressure : gentle
a light touch
c
: resulting from a very slight pressure : faint
light print
4
a
: easily endurable
a light illness
b
: requiring little effort
light work
5
: capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
light on his feet
6
a
: frivolous sense 1a
light conduct
b
: lacking in stability : changeable
light opinions
c
: sexually promiscuous
7
: free from care : cheerful
8
: less powerful but usually more mobile than usual for its kind
light cavalry
a light cruiser
9
a
: made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (such as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual
b
: having a relatively mild flavor
10
a
: easily digested
a light soup
b
: well leavened
a light crust
11
: coarse and sandy or easily pulverized
light soil
12
: dizzy, giddy
felt light in the head
13
: intended chiefly to entertain
light verse
light comedy
14
a
: carrying little or no cargo
the ship returned light
b
: producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer
light industry
15
: not bearing a stress or accent
a light syllable
16
: having a clear soft quality
a light voice
17
: being in debt to the pot in a poker game
three chips light
18
: short sense 5d
light on experience
19
: casual, occasional
a light smoker
lightish adjective

light

5 of 6

adverb

1
2
: with little baggage
travel light

light

6 of 6

verb (2)

lit ˈlit How to pronounce light (audio) or lighted; lighting

intransitive verb

1
2
: settle, alight
a bird lit on the lawn
3
: to fall unexpectedly
usually used with on or upon
4
: to arrive by chance : happen
usually used with on or upon
lit upon a solution
Phrases
in the light of
1
: from the point of view of
2
or in light of : in view of
In light of their findings, new procedures were established.
light into
: to attack forcefully
I lit into that food until I'd finished off the heel of the loafHelen Eustis
Choose the Right Synonym for light

easy, facile, simple, light, effortless, smooth mean not demanding effort or involving difficulty.

easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks.

an easy college course

facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness.

facile answers to complex questions

simple stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent.

a simple problem in arithmetic

light stresses freedom from what is burdensome.

a light teaching load

effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness.

moving with effortless grace

smooth stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles.

a smooth ride

Examples of light in a Sentence

Noun The landscape was bathed in light. a photograph taken in low light the light of the moon a mixture of light and shadow The windows let fresh air and light into the room. The lights suddenly went out. The lights suddenly came on. the twinkling lights of the city below the bright lights of Broadway The lights are on, so there must be somebody at home.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
There’s also a new realm of tourism coming to light. Gideon Kimbrell, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 The agency said that officers cleaned up the mess in approximately 20 minutes, but social media users were quick to make light of the comical situation. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2024 The relationship came to light when a teacher at the school caught wind of a rumor mentioned by the girl’s teammates. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024 One strategy, called optical parametric oscillation, involves bouncing beams of laser light within a crystal, resulting in light organizing itself into pulses of coherent, stable waves. IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2024 Light Pineapples need six to eight hours of bright light each day to grow and produce flowers. Grace Haynes, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2024 As more of her traumatic history comes to light, Monroe’s starry accomplishments and glittering acting career have in some ways been replaced by the image of a woman hounded and harassed for her body. Leah Dolan, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 The relationship and reliability from a long-term partner like Shell isn’t lost on Ferrari’s drivers, who have enough to worry about when the lights go out and the race begins. Michael Loré, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The post, which garnered almost 300,000 likes, brought to light how beloved the cone dip flavor is among customers. Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024
Adjective
The weighted portion inside is filled with flax and lavender seeds that emit a light, relaxing scent. Nicola Fumo, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Solar retinopathy, a condition resulting from intense light exposure, can cause serious and often permanent damage to the retina, the sensitive layer of cells at the back of the eye. George Dvorsky / Gizmodo, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024 Others have argued that many cases result in lighter penalties because the allegations against officers are circumstantial, not because of any issue with the boards themselves. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Ho Lee Fook Ho Lee Fook, a Hong Kong culinary landmark, recently got a facelift, so gone is the dim lighting and slightly claustrophobic feel and in comes something lighter, brighter and a bit more roomy. Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 The Extra Crispy American Lager was also clean and refreshingly light, as was their Fantasma Madera Mexican Lager. Jay R. Brooks, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 Occasionally, the wind gave way to showers of cold, light rain. Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2024 But the right storage conditions—those which defend against light, oxygen, and heat, the unholy trinity that accelerates the rancidity process—can extend the deliciousness of your nuts. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 12 Mar. 2024 Opinions on the 3 options Both streetcar options involve constructing a new elevated transit station on 82nd Street in Bloomington, serving both the Riverview Corridor and the existing Blue Line light rail near the Mall of America. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2024
Verb
In fact, Huffman’s call lit the fuse on a rebellion that would rage across Reddit for weeks. Paresh Dave, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2024 Days later a small crowd lit an empty Waymo car on fire. Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Held as typical at the West Hollywood Park, stars and industry insiders gathered first for cocktails, either in the bar area which would later become a dance floor, lit with miniature disco balls, or in an indoor-outdoor lounge station, where a Don Julio bar sat in the center of the room. David Graver, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024 But that emotional Zoom ultimately lit a fire to save the film. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 Mark Consuelos lit the Live audience's fuse during a hilariously shady round of the fan-favorite Stump Mark trivia game with a firefighter, after the in-studio crowd turned on the actor and booed him on the air. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 Four people face charges in the killing of Preston Lord, the 16-year-old whose brutal beating shocked the southeast Valley and brought to light a surge in teen violence in the community. Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 When a single candle remained, Ms. Mendieta and Anabella lit it together. Kate Dwyer, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2024 Labs in the past have also found high percentages of rolling papers available commercially to have levels of pesticides or heavy metals that were over actionable limits, bringing to light the hidden dangers that smoking accessories can pose, especially in products consumers hold dear. Harrison Bard, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2024
Adverb
Dark spots can indicate the presence of mold, and gray-blackish (or possibly light pink) slimy scum suggests biofilm, a substance secreted by microorganisms. Staff Author, Health, 18 Jan. 2024 That Star Filter is a lightweight complexion booster that can be worn solo or mixed into makeup; it's formulated with vitamin E to nourish and light-bouncing mineral pigments for celeb-worthy radiance. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 7 July 2023 Instead of shuttling back and forth, the vitamin A complex stays put in the retina, where one wavelength of light bends the light-sensing molecule, while another unbends it. Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 10 Apr. 2023 Dryness may follow, and with no blood vessels of its own, the light-catching cornea relies on tears and the aqueous humour inside the eye for replenishment. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2023 Casper Snoozewear Sleep Mask If Dad takes the night shift and sleeps during the day, this light-blocking eye mask will become a newborn life MVP. Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Mar. 2023 Another batter — light-hitting 151-pound utility man Sergio Alcántara — smoked a double off the wall. Evan Grant, Dallas News, 7 Mar. 2023 Our testers found the drinks flavorful but light-bodied so this is best for someone that doesn’t like extremely strong coffee drinks. Jamie Kim, Good Housekeeping, 28 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'light.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English liht, light, going back to Old English lēoht, Anglian lēht, going back to Germanic *leuh-t-, neuter noun (whence also Old Frisian liācht "light," Old Saxon lioht, Middle Dutch licht, lich, Old High German lioht), probably syncopated from an earlier consonantal stem *leuhađa-, as in Gothic liuhaþ "light," derivative of an Indo-European base *leu̯k- "become bright," whence Sanskrit rócate "(it) shines, is bright," Avestan raociṇt- "brightening," Hittite lukta "it becomes light, dawns"

Note: Gothic liuhaþ has been compared directly with Hittite lukkatt- "dawn, next morning."

Adjective (1)

Middle English lyht, light, going back to Old English lēoht, Anglian lēht "filled with light, bright, clear," going back to Germanic *leuhta- (whence also Old Frisian liācht, licht "light, bright," Old Saxon lioht, Middle Dutch licht, lecht, Old High German lioht, liuhti), going back to Indo-European *leu̯k-to-, probably verbal adjective from the base *leu̯k- "become bright" — more at light entry 1

Verb (1)

Middle English lihten, lighten "to emit light, shine, dawn, shed light on, light (a fire, a candle), set fire to, illuminate," going back to Old English līohtan, līehtan, Anglian līhtan "to give light, become light, light (a candle)," going back to Germanic *leuhtije- (whence also Old Saxon liuhtan "to shine," Middle Dutch luchten, Old High German liuhten, Gothic liuhtjan "to give light"), weak verb derivative from *leuhta- "bright, light entry 2"

Adjective (2)

Middle English, from Old English lēoht; akin to Old High German līhti light, Latin levis, Greek elachys small

Verb (2)

Middle English, from Old English līhtan; akin to Old English lēoht light in weight

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Adjective (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of light was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near light

Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

light

1 of 6 noun
1
a
: something that makes vision possible
b
: the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual sense organs
c
: electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength (as infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and X-rays) and traveling in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,000 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second
especially : such radiation that is visible to the human eye
2
: daylight sense 1
by dawn's early light
3
: a source (as a lamp) of light
turn on the light
4
a
: public knowledge
facts brought to light
b
: a particular appearance presented to view
were shown in a bad light by the lawyer
I see the matter in a different light now
5
: a particular illumination
by the light of the moon
6
: something that helps one to know or understand
shed light on a problem
7
: a noted person : leading light
8
b
: traffic signal
turn left at the next light
9
: a flame for lighting something

light

2 of 6 adjective
1
: having light : bright
a light room
2
: not dark or deep in color : pale
light blue
lightness noun

light

3 of 6 verb
lighted or lit ˈlit How to pronounce light (audio) ; lighting
1
: to make or become bright
often used with up
2
: to cause to burn or begin to burn
often used with up
3
: to lead with a light
light a guest up the stairs

light

4 of 6 adjective
1
a
: having little or less than usual weight : not heavy
b
: designed to carry a small load
light truck
2
a
: of little importance
b
: not abundant : scanty
light rain
c
: not strong or violent : moderate
light breezes
3
a
: easily disturbed
a light sleeper
b
: putting forth little force or pressure : gentle
a light touch
4
: not hard to bear, do, pay, or digest
light punishment
light exercise
light food
5
: capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
light on one's feet
6
: intended chiefly to entertain
light reading
light verse
7
: made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as fat)
light salad dressing
8
: having a spongy or fluffy quality
light pastry
9
: producing goods that will be sold to the people who use them rather than to another manufacturer
light industry
lightly adverb
lightness noun

light

5 of 6 adverb
1
: in a light manner
2
: with little baggage
traveling light

light

6 of 6 verb
lighted or lit ˈlit How to pronounce light (audio) ; lighting
1
: to come down out of the air and settle : alight
birds lit on the lawn
2
: to come by chance
lit upon a solution
Etymology

Noun

Old English lēoht "light, that which makes seeing possible"

Adjective

Old English lēoht "not heavy"

Verb

Old English līhtan "to come down off something or out of the air"

Medical Definition

light

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
b
: an electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range including infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and X-rays and traveling in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second
specifically : the part of this range that is visible to the human eye
2
: a source of light

light

2 of 2 adjective
variants or lite
: made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual
light salad dressing

More from Merriam-Webster on light

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