: 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
Using a pair of tongs and a towel, lightly rub the heated grill grates with a little grapeseed oil.
—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
It’s also lightly lined and has a deep V-neck design that can remain hidden under different tops.
—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
When choosing a fresh pineapple, look for one that feels heavy and smells lightly sweet near the base.
—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
3 July 2026
If your plants are looking wilted or their pots are drying out super-fast, consider temporarily moving them to a lightly shaded section of your patio or garden until the heat wave passes.
—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
It’s also lightly lined and has a deep V-neck design that can remain hidden under different tops.
—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
When choosing a fresh pineapple, look for one that feels heavy and smells lightly sweet near the base.
—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
3 July 2026
If your plants are looking wilted or their pots are drying out super-fast, consider temporarily moving them to a lightly shaded section of your patio or garden until the heat wave passes.
—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 July 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 5 Jul. 2026.
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