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.
But here’s the truth: Time management and empathy (or any other set of soft skills for that matter) won’t deliver a lights-out interview performance. Pamela Skillings, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 Evan Mobley made six three-point shots in the Cavs' authoritative victory over the Charlotte Hornets Saturday, including five in a lights-out first quarter. Sam Allard, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024 Arizona State scored 35 unanswered points in the program's lights-out victory against ISU. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024 Wisconsin's defense is playing lights-out in winning streak. New York Times, 22 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near lights-out

Cite this Entry

“Lights-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lights-out. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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