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
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
Anna Watson’s lighting keeps much of the house just dim enough to make the imagination dangerous, while Tony winner Gareth Fry’s sound design surrounds the audience with ominous noises whose sources aren’t always immediately clear. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 The full dimensions of the two-story set from Fly Davis is revealed only gradually to us, thanks to Anna Watson’s lighting. — Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026 At a little under two feet, the can’t-miss fixture spreads a warm light that creates a welcoming atmosphere for reading, relaxing, or sharing drinks without harsh overhead lighting or a spindly, corner-lurking, fluorescent presence. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026 For example the light pollution from a town illuminated by the beam will be ten to 20 times brighter than from the artificial lighting in that same town. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 26 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lighting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighting. Accessed 1 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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