Definition of 'alight'
Word forms: 3rd person singular present
tense alights
, present participle alighting
, past tense, past participle alighted
1. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If something is alight, it is burning.
Several buildings were set alight.
The gas fire was still alight.
2. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If someone's eyes are alight or if their face is alight, the expression in their eyes or on their face shows that they are feeling a strong emotion such as excitement or happiness.
[literary] She paused and turned, her face alight with happiness. [+ with]
3. verb
4. verb
5. verb
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Video: pronunciation of 'alight'
verbWord forms: alights, alighting, alighted or alit (intransitive)
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin of 'alight'
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin of 'alight'
verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈlighted or aˈlit, aˈlighting
1.
to get down or off; dismount
3. Rare
to come (on or upon) accidentally
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word origin of 'alight'
Example sentences containing 'alight'
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They stole watches and cash from a safe and the pub was set alight as they fled. The Sun (2016)She turned to find her blouse had been set alight and had to frantically pat out the flames. The Sun (2016)Photographs also included the burnt patch of stubble in the field that had been set alight by the firing. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Residents said that fighters had fled, setting it alight as they did so. Times, Sunday Times (2017)If anyone is going to set this show alight now, it is him. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Put some fireworks into your plantings this week to set your plot alight with flaming flowers, foliage and fruits as winter approaches. The Sun (2016)As they poured themselves glasses of alcohol-free champagne, they covered the pile in petrol and set it alight. Times, Sunday Times (2016)An olive grove is alight, fire spreading in the dry heat, and the hillside is consumed by flames. Times, Sunday Times (2017)The songs failed to set the world alight, but they impressed Fleetwood enough for him to invite them to join the band. Times, Sunday Times (2017)But family folk groups do not normally set the charts alight. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The house was also set alight but the fire was extinguished. Times, Sunday Times (2013) Vehicles were set alight and shops looted. The Sun (2014)This would be set alight and the bird served with much pomp and ceremony. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Tourists who cut short their holidays said they had seen buildings alight and crowds of angry demonstrators in the streets. Times, Sunday Times (2011)But why set the building alight? Times, Sunday Times (2011)More recently, he and some pals accidentally set his house alight after a firework
prank. The Sun (2011)But the continent has come alight with Chinese enterprise. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Within hours, the speech had set social media alight. Times, Sunday Times (2015)At one point, they set alight a huge bonfire in the middle of the square. Times, Sunday Times (2013)The mule was on holiday, but the fire was alight. Times, Sunday Times (2012)Not quickly enough, if his recent experience of setting his face alight while cooking pasta is anything to go by. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Her gaze alighted on something. No Way Home: A Cuban Dancer's Tale (2007)At its peak a further six buses were alight at the Westbourne Park bus garage. Times, Sunday Times (2006)Anne flew to the door, face alight, eyes glowing. Anne of Green Gables (1872)When firefighters arrived at the scene just after 1am, they found a building and three buses alight. The Sun (2014)When the Indian gentleman looked at her as she entered, he saw that her face was all alight. A Little Princess (1905)A bird had alighted in the sand with a flash of blue and white feather, to peck at something thrown from the train. Somewhere East of Life (1994)I, though, remain on the train and alight one stop northwest. Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Trends of 'alight'
Used Occasionally. alight is one of the 30000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary
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Translations for 'alight'
British English: alight VERB
If a bird or insect alights somewhere, it lands there.
A thrush alighted on a branch of the pine tree.
Nearby words of 'alight'
Source
Definition of alight from the
Collins English Dictionary
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