dimmer

1 of 2

noun

dim·​mer ˈdi-mər How to pronounce dimmer (audio)
1
: a device for regulating the intensity of an electric lighting unit
2
: low beam

dimmer

2 of 2

comparative of dim entry 1

Examples of dimmer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
But a strange pattern has emerged in rpTDES; each successive flare can become dimmer. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 What started as replacing lightbulbs and downloading a dimmer app has led to electronic locks, video doorbells and smart thermostats. — Jon Viner, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Those observations will inform an aspirational future mission — the Habitable Worlds Observatory, which aims to view Earth-like planets more than 1 billion times dimmer than their host stars. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 While generally a dimmer comet, recent activity has dramatically amplified 220P/McNaught’s brightness. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dimmer

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dimmer was circa 1896

Phrases Containing dimmer

Rhymes for dimmer

See All Rhymes for dimmer

Browse Nearby Words

dimmedness
dimmer
dimmer switch
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Cite this Entry

“Dimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dimmer. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dimmer

noun
dim·​mer ˈdim-ər How to pronounce dimmer (audio)
1
: a device for controlling the amount of light from an electric lighting unit (as the headlights of an automobile or the lights of a room)
2
: low beam

More from Merriam-Webster on dimmer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dimmer

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