lights-out

noun

1
: a command or signal for putting out lights
2
: a prescribed bedtime for persons living under discipline

Examples of lights-out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Now As Hackers Attack — Here’s How Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Monday, May 19 A lights-out Romano could soften the blow of losing Alvarado. Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 So does this: Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen missed all of those games because of a blood clot but has been lights-out more recently including in this postseason. Games 1 and 2 will be Tuesday and Thursday at Carolina, with Games 3 and 4 Saturday and Monday in Sunrise. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 19 May 2025 Those teams may not have had an MVP or Cy Young winner (as Jonny Gomes memorably noted) but there were stars all around, including Lorenzo Cain, Salvador Perez, Alex Gordon, a lights-out bullpen and, of course, Hosmer and Moustakas. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2025 He’s also been lights-out in a relief role with five saves and a 0.47 ERA. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lights-out

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lights-out was in 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Lights-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lights-out. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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