# apparition

/ˌæpɝˈɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌæpəɹˈɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/apparition
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a ghostly image or a sudden, bright flash of light in the sky. It is a word you might hear when someone sees a strange light that disappears quickly.

For teachers: a ghostly image or a sudden, brief appearance of a luminous object in the sky. Often used in astronomical contexts to describe transient phenomena like meteors or atmospheric optical effects.

## Examples

- The bright apparition in the sky lasted only a few seconds.
- Astronomers recorded the brief apparition of a comet as it passed close to the planet.
- The sudden apparition of a luminous cloud over the horizon caused a brief panic among the sailors, who mistook it for a supernatural omen.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.