Lightning
ˈlaɪtnɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsThe flash of light produced by a discharge of atmospheric electricity.
ˈlaɪtnɪŋ
A flash of bright light in the sky caused by electricity
The lightning illuminated the dark sky.
💡 Simply: Imagine a superhero's super-powered flash! That bright, quick light in the sky during a storm is lightning. Like, when you see a really quick flash and then hear the thunder? That flash is lightning!
👶 For kids: Lightning is a big spark of electricity that happens in the sky during a storm. It's like a giant flash of light!
More Examples
We saw a flash of lightning, followed by a loud clap of thunder.
The tree was struck by lightning during the storm.
How It's Used
"The storm was accompanied by thunder and lightning."
"Lightning struck the Eiffel Tower during a storm."
(Informal) To move or act with great speed or suddenness; to move quickly like lightning.
ˈlaɪtnɪŋ
To move very quickly
She lightninged through the marathon and won.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have to finish a chore in a flash! When you move super fast, like lightning, you're 'lightninging' through it! It's like you complete things in a flash.
👶 For kids: When something moves super fast like lightning, that's lightning!
More Examples
He lightninged his way through the traffic to get to the airport.
The team lightninged to complete the project before deadline.
How It's Used
"He lightninged through the task in record time."
Idioms & expressions
lightning fast
Extremely quick or rapid.
"He reacted with lightning fast reflexes."
strike like lightning
To attack suddenly and forcefully or to have a sudden and dramatic effect.
"The company's decision to fire the CEO struck like lightning, surprising everyone."
From Middle English lighten, leightnen, from Old English līhtan ('to lighten, flash'), from līht ('light').
The word 'lightning' has been used in English for centuries, evolving from Old English to describe the electrical discharge during storms.
Memory tip
Think of the bright flash during a storm – that's lightning!
Word Origin
"lighten, flash"