light pollution

noun

: artificial skylight (as from city lights) that interferes especially with astronomical observations

Examples of light pollution in a Sentence

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.
The northern lights are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time while at a high vantage point away from light pollution, according to NOAA. Ty Roush, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 To catch the spectacle, head far from light pollution and look near, but not directly within, the Gemini constellation. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024 Living in the inner city in L.A., there’s smog, light pollution, sound pollution; we’re towered by these skyscrapers and all these street lights — our access to seeing the stars is blanketed. Allison Noelle Conner, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 Sign up here Up to 80 percent of Americans can’t see the Milky Way due to light pollution. Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for light pollution 

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of light pollution was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near light pollution

Cite this Entry

“Light pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light%20pollution. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!