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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- lightenings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Skin _____ products are heavily regulated in some countries.
Etymology
The noun form of the verb lighten, formed with the -ing suffix.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for lightening
evening
opening
widening
awakening
happening
weakening
deafening
maddening
listening
gardening
sickening
fattening
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.
