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noun

lightening

LEYE-tn-ihng

Lightening (noun) means the act or process of making something brighter or lighter in weight. Example: “Skin lightening products are heavily regulated in some countries.”

noun
1
The act or process of making something brighter or lighter in weight.
"Skin lightening products are heavily regulated in some countries."
2
The sensation of a pregnant woman's baby dropping lower into the pelvis shortly before labor.
"She noticed the lightening a few weeks before her due date."

How to use lightening

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe process of becoming lighter (in color, weight, or mood) — or, in pregnancy, the baby settling lower.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "lightning," the electrical flash in a storm — they are spelled differently and mean different things.

Easily confused with

Word forms

lightenings plural

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Fill the gap

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Skin _____ products are heavily regulated in some countries.

Etymology

The noun form of the verb lighten, formed with the -ing suffix.

Related words

Rhymes for lightening

See all rhymes for lightening →

Frequently asked questions

What does “lightening” mean?

The word “lightening” means the act or process of making something brighter or lighter in weight. In plain terms, the process of becoming lighter (in color, weight, or mood) — or, in pregnancy, the baby settling lower.

How do you pronounce “lightening”?

“Lightening” is pronounced LEYE-tn-ihng (/ˈlaɪ.tn̩.ɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “lightening” in a sentence?

Here is “lightening” used in a sentence: “Skin lightening products are heavily regulated in some countries.”

What part of speech is “lightening”?

“Lightening” is a noun.

How many meanings does “lightening” have?

“Lightening” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act or process of making something brighter or lighter in weight.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial