light up

phrasal verb

1

of a light : to become lit : to begin shining

All of the lights on the display suddenly lit up.

—often used figuratively to express interest or pleasure

His eyes/face lit up when she walked in the room.

2

informal, of a telephone : to show a light indicating that someone is calling

When the DJ announced a contest, the phones lit up.

3

informal : to light a cigarette

I can't wait to light up after work.

Examples of light up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fireworks light up the sky above the lake at 9. General admission is free. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 26 June 2024

Three-dimensional art sculptures and installations take over the space outside Orlando’s stadium while fireworks and pyrotechnics light up the night sky. —Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2024

After the sun sets, sand constructions will glow in the dark and light up the night. —Jane Park, Journal Sentinel, 18 June 2024

Some consider Labor Day the unofficial end of summer, this year falling on Monday, Sep. 2, 2024. 5 metro Detroit summer events not to miss Detroit fireworks: The annual Ford Fireworks will light up the downtown Detroit skyline this summer at 10 p.m. June 24, 2024. —Amy Huschka, Detroit Free Press, 11 June 2024