1
: the quality or state of being illuminated
the lightness [=brightness] of the room/sky
2
a
: the attribute of object colors by which the object appears to reflect or transmit more or less of the incident light compare brightness sense 2, hue sense 2c, saturation sense 4
b
: the quality or state of having or being a light (see light entry 2 sense 2a) skin color
"As long as there's White racism, there will be racism within the Black community and favoritism for lightness."—
Midge Wilson
Midge WilsonElmore had a very fair complexion. And while he had never used the lightness of his skin to pass as white, the clerk who took his voter registration paperwork never asked the question. And just like that, George Elmore registered to vote.—Antjuan Seawright
Antjuan SeawrightExamples of lightness in a Sentence
Noun (1)
the photographer was concerned that the lightness of the background would cast the main subject into shadow
Noun (2)
the first thing I noticed about the little bird was its lightness; I could hardly tell I was holding it in my hand
the inappropriate lightness of the anchorman's tone while he was reading the story of the freak accident in which people had died
Recent Examples on the Web
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 July 2026
There’s spiritual tidying to do, too; the trio help their subjects find lightness and acceptance in the face of divorce, illness, aging, and even death.
—
Sara Netzley,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 July 2026
Large vents, openings, and aerodynamic tunnels dominate the rear bodywork, creating a sense of lightness despite the car’s width.
—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The movement here is made from 274 components, with a focus on lightness, transparency, and volume.
—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightness
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Noun
Hughes suggests a dusty pink or light beige to lift and soften the richness of the floor, while Alonso notes that cooler neutrals can offer a nice contrast, adding some lightness to the room.
—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 July 2026
There’s spiritual tidying to do, too; the trio help their subjects find lightness and acceptance in the face of divorce, illness, aging, and even death.
—
Sara Netzley,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 July 2026
Large vents, openings, and aerodynamic tunnels dominate the rear bodywork, creating a sense of lightness despite the car’s width.
—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The movement here is made from 274 components, with a focus on lightness, transparency, and volume.
—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Cite this Entry
“Lightness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightness. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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