lighting

1 of 2

noun

light·​ing ˈlī-tiŋ How to pronounce lighting (audio)
Synonyms of lightingnext
1
a
: illumination
b
: ignition
2
: an artificial supply of light or the apparatus providing it

lighting

2 of 2

present participle of light entry 3, light entry 6

Examples of lighting in a Sentence

Noun He prefers natural lighting for his photography. The lighting wasn't bright enough. The street lighting was so dim I got lost. There was a problem with the lighting. a company that sells lighting equipment He's in charge of the lighting for the show.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Running from November 27 to January 3, the event features tree lighting ceremonies, parades, caroling sessions, and the Maker’s Market, a gathering of artisans, crafters, and food vendors. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2026 Daunt deplored the dingy norm of London’s independent bookstores and spent months keying up his lighting. — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 The new plans also include more changes to the project's lighting and traffic patterns. — Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026 When the church needed work, Chris said, Jose rolled up his sleeves and installed recessed lighting. — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lighting

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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

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

Phrases Containing lighting

Rhymes for lighting

See All Rhymes for lighting

Browse Nearby Words

light industry
lighting
light into
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Cite this Entry

“Lighting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighting. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lighting

noun
light·​ing
ˈlīt-iŋ
1
: supply of light : illumination
2
: artificial light (as for a play) or the apparatus providing it

More from Merriam-Webster on lighting

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lighting

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lighting

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