English Reference

Word

lighting

Phoneticslight·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈɫaɪtɪŋ/

UK/lˈaɪtɪŋ/

Definitions

01illumination equipment

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the lamps and equipment used to provide light in a room, building, or street.

n. the apparatus for providing artificial light; the arrangement or style of light in a particular space.

“The warm lighting in the restaurant made the atmosphere feel very cozy.”

“The architect insisted on recessed lighting to maintain the minimalist aesthetic of the gallery while ensuring the sculptures were properly highlighted.”

Usage

Often used uncountably to describe the general system of lights.

Antonyms

02film and photography

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Theater

n. the way light is used in a photograph, film, or play to create a mood.

n. the deliberate use and manipulation of light sources to achieve a specific aesthetic or emotional effect in visual media.

“The movie used dark lighting to make the scene feel scary.”

“The director of photography opted for high-contrast lighting to evoke the moody atmosphere of classic film noir.”

Usage

Commonly used in technical discussions about cinematography or stage design.

Synonyms

03act of igniting

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the act of starting a fire or turning on a light.

n. the action of igniting a flame or activating an illumination source.

“The lighting of the Olympic torch is a famous part of the ceremony.”

“The lighting of the beacons across the hills served as a traditional signal that the celebrations had officially commenced.”

Usage

Usually functions as a verbal noun.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “lighting” in context.

Verb

01. adjust the lighting

“The photographer asked his assistant to adjust the lighting before they started the shoot.”

verb + noun

02. improve the lighting

“The city council decided to improve the lighting in the park to increase safety at night.”

verb + noun

Adjective

03. ambient lighting

“We installed ambient lighting in the living room to make the space feel warmer and more inviting.”

adj + noun

04. dim lighting

“The restaurant had dim lighting to create a more romantic atmosphere for the guests.”

adj + noun

05. harsh lighting

“The harsh lighting in the office often caused the employees to suffer from headaches by the end of the day.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. lighting effects

“The play was famous for its dramatic lighting effects that changed with the mood of the characters.”

noun + noun

07. lighting fixture

“They chose a modern lighting fixture to hang above the dining table.”

noun + noun

Real-World Examples

“Teachers and parents are asking for basic improvements: solar panels for lighting, a mobile health clinic, school meals and enough desks for pupils.”
Al Jazeera 15 Aug 2026
“The problem, of course, is that this newfound speed arrived in a world whose lighting technology had not quite caught up with the idea of vehicles moving at more than a brisk trot.”
Ars Technica 3 Aug 2026
“This time, Hockney shot hundreds of photos of a friend swimming underwater in different lighting conditions.”
Smithsonian Magazine 17 Jun 2026
“They also often regulate house size, building materials, driveways, yards, trees, outdoor lighting and energy production.”
The Conversation 3 Aug 2026

Etymology

From light + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference