lights out

noun

1. Chiefly Military.,  a signal, usually by drum or bugle, that all or certain camp or barracks lights are to be extinguished for the night.

2. bedtime.

lights out

noun

1. the time when those resident at an institution, such as soldiers in barracks or children at a boarding school, are expected to retire to bed

2. a fanfare or other signal indicating or signifying this

Word History and Origins

Origin of lights out¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

“From then on,” Bibens-Dirkx said, “he was lights out.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Bamboozle tour has just been lights out, out of control fun, and obviously playing some of my favorite cities.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Sasaki, the team’s surprise playoff closer, had been lights out in the postseason, with just one of the 17 hitters he faced reaching base.

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While the Scots weren't shooting the lights out in attack, they also allowed Belarus to be comfortable for large parts of the game.

Read more on BBC

After lights out and some sleep, his ideal Sunday picks up hours later and is filled with plenty of coffee, some miniature golf or a nature walk and more.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• collapse 
• departure 
• dissolution 
• downfall 
• extinction 
• failure 
• passing 
• termination