: in a light manner: such as
a
: with little weight or force : gently
b
: with indifference or carelessness : unconcernedly
… the problem should not be passed over lightly …—
Shelly Halpern
Shelly Halpern
c
: with little difficulty : easily
d
: gaily, cheerfully
f
: in a small degree or amount
lightly salted food
Examples of lightly in a Sentence
He talks lightly about the problems he's been having at work.
She moved lightly across the room.
These vegetables can be eaten either raw or lightly cooked.
Our troops were armed too lightly to take on the heavily armed invaders.
Considering the harm he did, he's gotten off lightly with only a warning.
The judge let her off lightly with a short sentence.
Recent Examples on the Web
The top featured a high neck with a keyhole neckline, flared long sleeves, a cape overlay, which creates a lightly exposed back.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
After repotting, water lightly and allow the soil to dry appropriately before watering again.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
For bird lovers who want to recreate this whimsical display, fill a medium-size pot with about three-quarters full with potting mix, then place a faux bird's nest from the crafts shop on top (lightly fill it with potting mix as well).
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
In a small bowl, toss the blackberries with 1 tablespoon flour, then add the berries and zest to the batter and lightly fold them in.
—Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightly
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Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
After repotting, water lightly and allow the soil to dry appropriately before watering again.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
For bird lovers who want to recreate this whimsical display, fill a medium-size pot with about three-quarters full with potting mix, then place a faux bird's nest from the crafts shop on top (lightly fill it with potting mix as well).
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
In a small bowl, toss the blackberries with 1 tablespoon flour, then add the berries and zest to the batter and lightly fold them in.
—Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightly. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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