# Levin

/ˈɫɛvɪn/ (US) · /lˈɛvɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/levin
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. lightning

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

a flash of lightning or a very bright light.

For teachers: a flash of lightning or a sudden, intense discharge of light. Primarily encountered in Middle English texts or 19th-century romantic poetry.

- The dark sky was suddenly split by a flash of levin.
- The poet described how the jagged levin tore through the midnight clouds, illuminating the jagged peaks for a fleeting second.

Usage: Usually functions as an uncountable noun in poetic descriptions of storms.

Teaching tip: This word is not used in modern speech or standard writing; learners will only see it in historical literature or fantasy novels.

### 2. to strike like lightning

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

to strike or flash like lightning.

For teachers: to strike or flash in the manner of lightning. Intransitive use found almost exclusively in archaic verse.

- The storm clouds began to levin across the valley.
- As the heavens began to levin and thunder, the ancient mariner sought shelter beneath the overhanging cliffs.

Usage: An intransitive verb that does not take a direct object.

Teaching tip: Extremely rare even in literary contexts; 'to flash' or 'to strike' are the modern equivalents.

## Examples

- The dark sky was split by a flash of levin.
- The poet described the storm as a dance of levin across the jagged mountain peaks.
- In the ancient ballad, the hero's sword is compared to the levin-bolt, striking with a sudden and terrifying brilliance that blinded his foes.

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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.