First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1light
noun \ˈlīt\
: the form of energy that makes it possible to see things : the brightness produced by the sun, by fire, a lamp, etc.
: a source of light (such as an electric lamp)
: a light on a vehicle
Full Definition of LIGHT
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 about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second; specifically : such radiation that is visible to the human eye
3
4
archaic : sight 4a
5
6
a : public knowledge <facts brought to light> b : a particular aspect or appearance presented to view <saw the matter in a different light>
7
: a particular illumination
8
: something that enlightens or informs <shed some light on the problem>
9
: a medium (as a window) through which light is admitted
10
plural : a set of principles, standards, or opinions <worship according to one's lights — Adrienne Koch>
11
: a noteworthy person in a particular place or field <a leading light among current writers>
12
: a particular expression of the eye
13
a : lighthouse, beacon b : traffic light
14
: the representation of light in art
15
: a flame for lighting something (as a cigarette)
— 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>
See light defined for English-language learners
See light defined for kids
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Origin of LIGHT
Middle English, from Old English lēoht; akin to Old High German lioht light, Latin luc-, lux light, lucēre to shine, Greek leukos white
Related to LIGHT
- Synonyms
- blaze, flare, fluorescence, glare, gleam, glow, illumination, incandescence, luminescence, radiance, shine
- Antonyms
- nobody, noncelebrity
Other Physics Terms
2light
adjective
Definition of LIGHT
1
: having light : bright <a light airy room>
2
3
of coffee : served with extra milk or cream
First Known Use of LIGHT
before 12th century
3light
verb
lit \ˈlit\ or light·edlight·ing
Definition of LIGHT
intransitive verb
1
: to become light : brighten —usually used with up <her face lit up>
2
: to take fire
3
: to ignite something (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>
First Known Use of LIGHT
before 12th century
4light
adjective
Definition of LIGHT
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
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 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 (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>
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 5d <light on experience>
Origin of LIGHT
Middle English, from Old English lēoht; akin to Old High German līhti light, Latin levis, Greek elachys small
First Known Use: before 12th century
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
5light
adverb
Definition of LIGHT
1
: lightly
2
: with little baggage <travel light>
See light defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LIGHT
before 12th century
6light
verb
lit \ˈlit\ or light·edlight·ing
Definition of LIGHT
intransitive verb
1
: dismount
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>
— light into
: to attack forcefully <I lit into that food until I'd finished off the heel of the loaf — Helen Eustis>
Origin of LIGHT
Middle English, from Old English līhtan; akin to Old English lēoht light in weight
First Known Use: before 12th century
LIGHTED Defined for Kids
1light
noun \ˈlīt\
Definition of LIGHT for Kids
1
: the bright form of energy given off by something (as the sun) that makes it possible to see
2
: a source (as a lamp) of light <Mr. Cohen flicks the lights off and on … — Paula Danziger, Amber Brown>
3
: daylight 1
4
: public knowledge <Facts were brought to light during the trial.>
5
: understanding that comes from information someone has provided <The explanation shed light on the problem.>
2light
adjective
light·erlight·est
3light
verb
lit \ˈlit\ or light·edlight·ing
Definition of LIGHT for Kids
1
: to make or become bright
2
: to burn or cause to burn <light a match> <light the fire>
4light
adjective
light·erlight·est
Definition of LIGHT for Kids
1
: having little weight : not heavy <a light suitcase>
2
: less in amount or force than usual <a light breeze> <a light touch>
3
: not hard to bear, do, pay, or digest <light punishment>
4
: active in motion <I felt light on my feet.>
5
: free from care : happy <a light heart>
6
: not dense and thick <light clouds>
7
: intended mainly to entertain <light reading>
— light·ly adverb
— light·ness noun
5light
adverb
Definition of LIGHT for Kids
: with little baggage <I prefer to travel light.>
6light
verb
lit \ˈlit\ or light·edlight·ing
Definition of LIGHT for Kids
2
: to come by chance <In time I lit on a solution.>
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