starlight

noun

star·​light ˈstär-ˌlīt How to pronounce starlight (audio)
: the light given by the stars

Examples of starlight in a Sentence

We had to find our way by starlight.
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.
Those transits are a boon to observers, because if there is an atmosphere, some of the starlight will pass through it. Bydaniel Clery, science.org, 20 June 2024 When Neptune crossed in front of a star, the planet seemed to block some of the starlight even before reaching a full eclipse, suggesting that some wispy mass drifted beyond the geographical boundary of the planet—a ring, perhaps. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024 Read More: 6 Exoplanets in our Universe That Could Support Life Other Than Earth How Stars Affect the Habitable Zone The opposite is true for more massive, brighter stars, where a planet has to be much farther away to receive the correct amount of starlight. Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024 Alongside the space gray and starlight stalwarts from the previous model, there are two new colors: purple and blue. David Phelan, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for starlight 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of starlight was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near starlight

Cite this Entry

“Starlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starlight. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

starlight

noun
star·​light ˈstär-ˌlīt How to pronounce starlight (audio)
: the light given by the stars

More from Merriam-Webster on starlight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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