# lighting

/ˈɫaɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /lˈaɪtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lighting
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. illumination equipment

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. film and photography

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. act of igniting

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The soft lighting makes the room feel very cozy.
- The photographer adjusted the studio lighting to remove the harsh shadows from the model's face.
- Modern architectural design often prioritizes natural lighting, utilizing large windows and skylights to reduce the reliance on artificial sources during daylight hours.

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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.