daylight

noun

day·​light ˈdā-ˌlīt How to pronounce daylight (audio)
Synonyms of daylightnext
1
: the light of day
2
: daytime
3
: dawn
4
a
: knowledge or understanding of something that has been obscure
began to see daylight on the problem
b
: the quality or state of being open : openness
5
daylights plural
a
: consciousness
b
: mental soundness or stability : wits
scared the daylights out of him
6
: a perceptible space, gap, or difference
denied there was any daylight between the two governments' positions

Synonyms of daylight

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Examples of daylight in a Sentence

Open up the curtains and let some daylight into the room. As daylight fades into darkness, everyone returns to their homes. For pictures taken in daylight, use a different film. We could see daylight through the cracks in the wall. The accident happened just after daylight. They said there was no daylight between the two governments' positions.
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.
With daylight fading, the playoff was scheduled for Monday morning. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 The sharpshooting point guard who makes a living off deception, off angles and off making defenders look silly couldn’t find a sliver of daylight. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 Keep in mind that summer's long daylight hours, coupled with the light of the waning Strawberry Moon, may make faint auroras harder to see. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026 People should not approach wild animals that appear sick, injured, or dead, including nocturnal species such as bats and raccoons that are active during daylight hours. — Kelli Arseneau, USA Today, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for daylight

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of daylight was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing daylight

Rhymes for daylight

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Browse Nearby Words

Day-Lewis
daylight
daylight between
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Daylight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daylight. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

daylight

noun
day·​light ˈdā-ˌlīt How to pronounce daylight (audio)
1
: the light of day
2
: daytime
3
: dawn entry 2 sense 1
4
: knowledge or understanding of something that has been unclear
began to see daylight on the problem

More from Merriam-Webster on daylight

Nglish: Translation of daylight for Spanish Speakers

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