light
arc light (arc lights)
[N-COUNT] usu pl
Arc lights are a type of very bright electric light.
...the brilliant glare of the arc lights.lead|ing light (leading lights)
[N-COUNT]
If you say that someone is a leading light in an organization, campaign, or community, you mean that they are one of the most important, active, enthusiastic, and successful people in it.light air|craft (light aircraft)
[N-COUNT]
A light aircraft is a small aeroplane that is designed to carry a small number of passengers or a small amount of goods.light bulb (light bulbs)
[N-COUNT]
A light bulb or bulb is the round glass part of an electric light or lamp which light shines from.
= bulblight cream
[N-UNCOUNT]
Light cream is thin cream that does not have a lot of fat in it. (AM; in BRIT, use single cream)light heavy|weight (light heavyweights)
[N-COUNT]
A light heavyweight is a professional boxer who weighs between 160 and 175 pounds, or an amateur boxer who weighs between 165 and 179 pounds.
= cruiserweightlight in|dus|try (light industries)
[N-VAR]
Light industry is industry in which only small items are made, for example household goods and clothes.light up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you light something up or if it lights up, it becomes bright, usually when you shine light on it.
...a keypad that lights up when you pick up the handset...
On September 5, at the end of the festival, a massive display of fireworks will light up the sky around Broadlands.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P with n, V P
If your face or your eyes light up you suddenly look very surprised or happy.
Sue's face lit up with surprise...
You should see his eyes light up when he talks about home.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you light up, you make a cigarette, cigar, or pipe start burning and you start smoking it. (INFORMAL)
He held a match while she lit up...
He took his time lighting up a cigarette.light year (light years)
1 [N-COUNT]
A light year is the distance that light travels in a year.
...a star system millions of light years away.
2 [N-COUNT] usu pl, N prep/adv
You can say that two things are light years apart to emphasize a very great difference or a very long distance or period of time between them. (INFORMAL)
She says the French education system is light years ahead of the English one...♦♦ light1 /l'aɪt/ (light lights lighting lit lighted lighter lightest) BRIGHTNESS OR ILLUMINATION
The form lit is the usual past tense and past participle, but the form lighted is also used.
Please look at category 19 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [N-UNCOUNT] also the N
Light is the brightness that lets you see things. Light comes from sources such as the sun, moon, lamps, and fire.
Cracks of light filtered through the shutters...
It was difficult to see in the dim light.
...ultraviolet light.
≠ darkness
2 [N-COUNT]
A light is something such as an electric lamp which produces light.
The janitor comes round to turn the lights out...
...street lights.
3 [N-PLURAL]
You can use lights to refer to a set of traffic lights.
...the heavy city traffic with its endless delays at lights and crossings.
4 [VERB] V n, V n, V n with n
If a place or object is lit by something, it has light shining on it.
It was dark and a giant moon lit the road so brightly you could see the landscape clearly...
The room was lit by only the one light...
The low sun lit the fortress walls with yellow light.
5 [ADJ]
If it is light, the sun is providing light at the beginning or end of the day.
It was still light when we arrived at Lalong Creek...
...light summer evenings.
≠ dark
6 [ADJ]
If a room or building is light, it has a lot of natural light in it, for example because it has large windows.
It is a light room with tall windows...
= bright
≠ dark
● lightness [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp
The dark green spare bedroom is in total contrast to the lightness of the large main bedroom.
7 [VERB] V n, V, V-ed
If you light something such as a cigarette or fire, or if it lights, it starts burning.
Stephen hunched down to light a cigarette...
If the charcoal does fail to light, use a special liquid spray and light it with a long taper.
...a lighted candle.
8 [N-SING] a N
If someone asks you for a light, they want a match or cigarette lighter so they can start smoking. (INFORMAL)
Have you got a light anybody?
9 [N-COUNT] with supp
If something is presented in a particular light, it is presented so that you think about it in a particular way or so that it appears to be of a particular nature.
He has worked hard in recent months to portray New York in a better light.
10
see also lighter, lighting, night light, night light, pilot light, red light
11 [PHRASE] V inflects
If something comes to light or is brought to light, it becomes obvious or is made known to a lot of people.
The truth is unlikely to be brought to light by the promised enquiry.
12 [PHRASE] V inflects
If light dawns on you, you begin to understand something after a period of not being able to understand it.
At last the light dawned. He was going to marry Phylis!
13 [PHRASE] PHR after v, v-link PHR
If someone in authority gives you a green light, they give you permission to do something.
The food industry was given a green light to extend the use of these chemicals...
14 [PREP-PHRASE]
If something is possible in the light of particular information, it is only possible because you have this information.
In the light of this information it is now possible to identify a number of key issues.
15 [PHRASE] V inflects
If someone sees the light, they finally realize something or change their attitude or way of behaving to a better one.
I saw the light and ditched him.
16 [PHRASE] V inflects: PHR n
If you set light to something, you make it start burning. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use set fire to)
They had poured fuel through the door of the flat and had then set light to it.
17 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n
To shed light on, throw light on, or cast light on something means to make it easier to understand, because more information is known about it.
A new approach offers an answer, and may shed light on an even bigger question.
= clarify
18 [PHRASE]
When you talk about the light at the end of the tunnel, you are referring to the end of the difficult or unpleasant situation that you are in at the moment.
All I can do is tell her to hold on, that there's light at the end of the tunnel.
19
all sweetness and light: see sweetness♦ light2 /l'aɪt/ (light lighter lightest) NOT GREAT IN WEIGHT, AMOUNT, OR INTENSITY
1 [ADJ]
Something that is light does not weigh very much, or weighs less than you would expect it to.
Modern tennis rackets are now apparently 20 per cent lighter.
...weight training with light weights...
Try to wear light, loose clothes.
≠ heavy
● lightness [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp
The toughness, lightness, strength, and elasticity of whalebone gave it a wide variety of uses.
2 [ADJ]
Something that is light is not very great in amount, degree, or intensity.
It's a Sunday like any other with the usual light traffic in the city...
...a light breeze.
● lightly [ADV] usu ADV -ed, also ADV after v
Put the onions in the pan and cook until lightly browned.
3 [ADJ] ADJ n
Light equipment and machines are small and easily moved, especially because they are not heavy.
...a convoy of light armoured vehicles...
They used light machine guns and AK forty-sevens.
4 [ADJ]
Something that is light is very pale in colour.
The walls are light in colour and covered in paper...
He is light haired with gray eyes.
≠ dark
[COMB in COLOUR]
Light is also a combining form.
We know he has a light green van.
...a light blue box.
5 [ADJ] ADJ n
A light sleep is one that is easily disturbed and in which you are often aware of the things around you. If you are a light sleeper, you are easily woken when you are asleep.
She had drifted into a light sleep...
She was usually a light sleeper.
≠ deep
● lightly [ADV] ADV after v
He was dozing lightly in his chair.
6 [ADJ]
A light sound, for example someone's voice, is pleasantly quiet.
The voice was sweet and light.
7 [ADJ]
A light meal consists of a small amount of food, or of food that is easy to digest.
...a light, healthy lunch.
≠ heavy
● lightly [ADV] ADV after v
She found it impossible to eat lightly.
8 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
Light work does not involve much physical effort.
He was on the training field for some light work yesterday.
9 [ADJ]
If you describe the result of an action or a punishment as light, you mean that it is less serious or severe than you expected.
She confessed her astonishment at her light sentence when her father visited her at the jail.
= lenient
● lightly [ADV] ADV after v
One of the accused got off lightly in exchange for pleading guilty to withholding information from Congress.
10 [ADJ]
Movements and actions that are light are graceful or gentle and are done with very little force or effort.
Use a light touch when applying cream or make-up...
There was a light knock at the door.
= gentle
● lightly [ADV] ADV with v
He kissed her lightly on the mouth...
Knead the dough very lightly.
● lightness [N-UNCOUNT]
She danced with a grace and lightness that were breathtaking.
11
see also lighter♦ light3 /l'aɪt/ (light lighter lightest) UNIMPORTANT OR NOT SERIOUS
Please look at category 5 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
If you describe things such as books, music, and films as light, you mean that they entertain you without making you think very deeply.
...light classical music.
...a light entertainment programme.
2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
If you say something in a light way, you sound as if you think that something is not important or serious.
Talk to him in a friendly, light way about the relationship...
Let's finish on a lighter note.
≠ serious
● lightly [ADV] ADV after v
`Once a detective, always a detective,' he said lightly.
● lightness [N-UNCOUNT]
`I'm not an authority on them,' Jessica said with forced lightness.
3 [ADJ] usu with brd-neg
If you say that something is not a light matter, you mean that it should be treated or considered as being important and serious.
It can be no light matter for the Home Office that so many young prisoners should have wanted to kill or injure themselves.
● lightly [ADV] ADV with v
His allegations cannot be lightly dismissed.
4 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you make light of something, you treat it as though it is not serious or important, when in fact it is.
Roberts attempted to make light of his discomfort.
= play down
5
to make light work of: see work
see also lighternight light (night lights)
[N-COUNT]
A night light is a light that is not bright and is kept on during the night, especially in a child's room.park|ing light (parking lights)
[N-COUNT]
The parking lights on a vehicle are the small lights at the front that help other drivers to notice the vehicle and to judge its width. (AM; in BRIT, use sidelights)pi|lot light (pilot lights)
[N-COUNT]
A pilot light is a small gas flame in a cooker, stove, boiler, or fire. It burns all the time and lights the main large flame when the gas is turned fully on.red light (red lights)
1 [N-COUNT]
A red light is a traffic signal which shines red to indicate that drivers must stop.
2 [ADJ] ADJ n
The red-light district of a city is the area where prostitutes work.re|vers|ing light (reversing lights)
[N-COUNT] usu pl
Reversing lights are the white lights on the back of a motor vehicle which shine when the vehicle is in reverse gear. (BRIT; in AM, use back-up lights)strip light (strip lights)
also strip-light
[N-COUNT]
A strip light is an electric light in the form of a long tube. (BRIT)traf|fic light (traffic lights)
[N-COUNT] usu pl
Traffic lights are sets of red, amber, and green lights at the places where roads meet. They control the traffic by signalling when vehicles have to stop and when they can go. Traffic lights can also be referred to as a traffic light.
[N-COUNT] usu pl
Arc lights are a type of very bright electric light.
...the brilliant glare of the arc lights.lead|ing light (leading lights)
[N-COUNT]
If you say that someone is a leading light in an organization, campaign, or community, you mean that they are one of the most important, active, enthusiastic, and successful people in it.light air|craft (light aircraft)
[N-COUNT]
A light aircraft is a small aeroplane that is designed to carry a small number of passengers or a small amount of goods.light bulb (light bulbs)
[N-COUNT]
A light bulb or bulb is the round glass part of an electric light or lamp which light shines from.
= bulblight cream
[N-UNCOUNT]
Light cream is thin cream that does not have a lot of fat in it. (AM; in BRIT, use single cream)light heavy|weight (light heavyweights)
[N-COUNT]
A light heavyweight is a professional boxer who weighs between 160 and 175 pounds, or an amateur boxer who weighs between 165 and 179 pounds.
= cruiserweightlight in|dus|try (light industries)
[N-VAR]
Light industry is industry in which only small items are made, for example household goods and clothes.light up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you light something up or if it lights up, it becomes bright, usually when you shine light on it.
...a keypad that lights up when you pick up the handset...
On September 5, at the end of the festival, a massive display of fireworks will light up the sky around Broadlands.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P with n, V P
If your face or your eyes light up you suddenly look very surprised or happy.
Sue's face lit up with surprise...
You should see his eyes light up when he talks about home.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you light up, you make a cigarette, cigar, or pipe start burning and you start smoking it. (INFORMAL)
He held a match while she lit up...
He took his time lighting up a cigarette.light year (light years)
1 [N-COUNT]
A light year is the distance that light travels in a year.
...a star system millions of light years away.
2 [N-COUNT] usu pl, N prep/adv
You can say that two things are light years apart to emphasize a very great difference or a very long distance or period of time between them. (INFORMAL)
She says the French education system is light years ahead of the English one...♦♦ light1 /l'aɪt/ (light lights lighting lit lighted lighter lightest) BRIGHTNESS OR ILLUMINATION
The form lit is the usual past tense and past participle, but the form lighted is also used.
Please look at category 19 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [N-UNCOUNT] also the N
Light is the brightness that lets you see things. Light comes from sources such as the sun, moon, lamps, and fire.
Cracks of light filtered through the shutters...
It was difficult to see in the dim light.
...ultraviolet light.
≠ darkness
2 [N-COUNT]
A light is something such as an electric lamp which produces light.
The janitor comes round to turn the lights out...
...street lights.
3 [N-PLURAL]
You can use lights to refer to a set of traffic lights.
...the heavy city traffic with its endless delays at lights and crossings.
4 [VERB] V n, V n, V n with n
If a place or object is lit by something, it has light shining on it.
It was dark and a giant moon lit the road so brightly you could see the landscape clearly...
The room was lit by only the one light...
The low sun lit the fortress walls with yellow light.
5 [ADJ]
If it is light, the sun is providing light at the beginning or end of the day.
It was still light when we arrived at Lalong Creek...
...light summer evenings.
≠ dark
6 [ADJ]
If a room or building is light, it has a lot of natural light in it, for example because it has large windows.
It is a light room with tall windows...
= bright
≠ dark
● lightness [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp
The dark green spare bedroom is in total contrast to the lightness of the large main bedroom.
7 [VERB] V n, V, V-ed
If you light something such as a cigarette or fire, or if it lights, it starts burning.
Stephen hunched down to light a cigarette...
If the charcoal does fail to light, use a special liquid spray and light it with a long taper.
...a lighted candle.
8 [N-SING] a N
If someone asks you for a light, they want a match or cigarette lighter so they can start smoking. (INFORMAL)
Have you got a light anybody?
9 [N-COUNT] with supp
If something is presented in a particular light, it is presented so that you think about it in a particular way or so that it appears to be of a particular nature.
He has worked hard in recent months to portray New York in a better light.
10
see also lighter, lighting, night light, night light, pilot light, red light
11 [PHRASE] V inflects
If something comes to light or is brought to light, it becomes obvious or is made known to a lot of people.
The truth is unlikely to be brought to light by the promised enquiry.
12 [PHRASE] V inflects
If light dawns on you, you begin to understand something after a period of not being able to understand it.
At last the light dawned. He was going to marry Phylis!
13 [PHRASE] PHR after v, v-link PHR
If someone in authority gives you a green light, they give you permission to do something.
The food industry was given a green light to extend the use of these chemicals...
14 [PREP-PHRASE]
If something is possible in the light of particular information, it is only possible because you have this information.
In the light of this information it is now possible to identify a number of key issues.
15 [PHRASE] V inflects
If someone sees the light, they finally realize something or change their attitude or way of behaving to a better one.
I saw the light and ditched him.
16 [PHRASE] V inflects: PHR n
If you set light to something, you make it start burning. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use set fire to)
They had poured fuel through the door of the flat and had then set light to it.
17 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n
To shed light on, throw light on, or cast light on something means to make it easier to understand, because more information is known about it.
A new approach offers an answer, and may shed light on an even bigger question.
= clarify
18 [PHRASE]
When you talk about the light at the end of the tunnel, you are referring to the end of the difficult or unpleasant situation that you are in at the moment.
All I can do is tell her to hold on, that there's light at the end of the tunnel.
19
all sweetness and light: see sweetness♦ light2 /l'aɪt/ (light lighter lightest) NOT GREAT IN WEIGHT, AMOUNT, OR INTENSITY
1 [ADJ]
Something that is light does not weigh very much, or weighs less than you would expect it to.
Modern tennis rackets are now apparently 20 per cent lighter.
...weight training with light weights...
Try to wear light, loose clothes.
≠ heavy
● lightness [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp
The toughness, lightness, strength, and elasticity of whalebone gave it a wide variety of uses.
2 [ADJ]
Something that is light is not very great in amount, degree, or intensity.
It's a Sunday like any other with the usual light traffic in the city...
...a light breeze.
● lightly [ADV] usu ADV -ed, also ADV after v
Put the onions in the pan and cook until lightly browned.
3 [ADJ] ADJ n
Light equipment and machines are small and easily moved, especially because they are not heavy.
...a convoy of light armoured vehicles...
They used light machine guns and AK forty-sevens.
4 [ADJ]
Something that is light is very pale in colour.
The walls are light in colour and covered in paper...
He is light haired with gray eyes.
≠ dark
[COMB in COLOUR]
Light is also a combining form.
We know he has a light green van.
...a light blue box.
5 [ADJ] ADJ n
A light sleep is one that is easily disturbed and in which you are often aware of the things around you. If you are a light sleeper, you are easily woken when you are asleep.
She had drifted into a light sleep...
She was usually a light sleeper.
≠ deep
● lightly [ADV] ADV after v
He was dozing lightly in his chair.
6 [ADJ]
A light sound, for example someone's voice, is pleasantly quiet.
The voice was sweet and light.
7 [ADJ]
A light meal consists of a small amount of food, or of food that is easy to digest.
...a light, healthy lunch.
≠ heavy
● lightly [ADV] ADV after v
She found it impossible to eat lightly.
8 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
Light work does not involve much physical effort.
He was on the training field for some light work yesterday.
9 [ADJ]
If you describe the result of an action or a punishment as light, you mean that it is less serious or severe than you expected.
She confessed her astonishment at her light sentence when her father visited her at the jail.
= lenient
● lightly [ADV] ADV after v
One of the accused got off lightly in exchange for pleading guilty to withholding information from Congress.
10 [ADJ]
Movements and actions that are light are graceful or gentle and are done with very little force or effort.
Use a light touch when applying cream or make-up...
There was a light knock at the door.
= gentle
● lightly [ADV] ADV with v
He kissed her lightly on the mouth...
Knead the dough very lightly.
● lightness [N-UNCOUNT]
She danced with a grace and lightness that were breathtaking.
11
see also lighter♦ light3 /l'aɪt/ (light lighter lightest) UNIMPORTANT OR NOT SERIOUS
Please look at category 5 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
If you describe things such as books, music, and films as light, you mean that they entertain you without making you think very deeply.
...light classical music.
...a light entertainment programme.
2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
If you say something in a light way, you sound as if you think that something is not important or serious.
Talk to him in a friendly, light way about the relationship...
Let's finish on a lighter note.
≠ serious
● lightly [ADV] ADV after v
`Once a detective, always a detective,' he said lightly.
● lightness [N-UNCOUNT]
`I'm not an authority on them,' Jessica said with forced lightness.
3 [ADJ] usu with brd-neg
If you say that something is not a light matter, you mean that it should be treated or considered as being important and serious.
It can be no light matter for the Home Office that so many young prisoners should have wanted to kill or injure themselves.
● lightly [ADV] ADV with v
His allegations cannot be lightly dismissed.
4 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you make light of something, you treat it as though it is not serious or important, when in fact it is.
Roberts attempted to make light of his discomfort.
= play down
5
to make light work of: see work
see also lighternight light (night lights)
[N-COUNT]
A night light is a light that is not bright and is kept on during the night, especially in a child's room.park|ing light (parking lights)
[N-COUNT]
The parking lights on a vehicle are the small lights at the front that help other drivers to notice the vehicle and to judge its width. (AM; in BRIT, use sidelights)pi|lot light (pilot lights)
[N-COUNT]
A pilot light is a small gas flame in a cooker, stove, boiler, or fire. It burns all the time and lights the main large flame when the gas is turned fully on.red light (red lights)
1 [N-COUNT]
A red light is a traffic signal which shines red to indicate that drivers must stop.
2 [ADJ] ADJ n
The red-light district of a city is the area where prostitutes work.re|vers|ing light (reversing lights)
[N-COUNT] usu pl
Reversing lights are the white lights on the back of a motor vehicle which shine when the vehicle is in reverse gear. (BRIT; in AM, use back-up lights)strip light (strip lights)
also strip-light
[N-COUNT]
A strip light is an electric light in the form of a long tube. (BRIT)traf|fic light (traffic lights)
[N-COUNT] usu pl
Traffic lights are sets of red, amber, and green lights at the places where roads meet. They control the traffic by signalling when vehicles have to stop and when they can go. Traffic lights can also be referred to as a traffic light.