overlight

1 of 2

noun

over·​light ˈō-vər-ˌlīt 

plural overlights

: a source of light that is located in a high position: such as

a

: a small window above a door

But photographs tell us that the French doors had rectangular overlights with semicircular fanlights …

—H. Parrott Bacot et al.

b

: a ceiling light

Cal stood on the neat porch and kept his finger on the bell until the harsh overlight flashed on and the night bolt rasped and Mrs. Bacon looked out.

—John Steinbeck

overlight

2 of 2

verb

over·​light ˌō-vər-ˈlīt 

overlit ˌō-vər-ˈlit  also overlighted; overlighting

transitive + intransitive

: to illuminate (something, such as a building) too brightly or thoroughly

As a general rule of thumb most people make the mistake of overlighting rooms …

—Melissa Penfold

overlit streets/offices

Do not overlight.… Remember, there are some things in your yard and home best left unlighted—faucets and hoses, garbage cans, a car in the driveway.

—Marshall Wright

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1896, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1874, in the meaning defined above