backlight

[ bak-lahyt ]

noun

1. Movies, Television. a light source placed behind an actor, object, or scene to create a highlight that separates the subject from the background:

   Put a backlight on that rain to make it more visible in this evening shot.

2. Electronics. the light source, often LED arrays, behind the screen of a flat-screen electronic display, as a television, computer monitor, or smartphone:

   A full-array LED backlight gives the picture a deeper color range than an edge-lit screen would.

verb (used with object)

, back·light·ed or back·lit, back·light·ing.

1. to illuminate from behind: The hallway lamp backlit Mom when she cracked our bedroom door to check on us and whisper goodnight.

   One of the wedding photos is just a silhouette of the couple backlighted by the sunset on the beach.

   The hallway lamp backlit Mom when she cracked our bedroom door to check on us and whisper goodnight.

Word History and Origins

Origin of backlight¹

First recorded in 1950–55; back ¹ + light ¹

Example Sentences

It starts with the size and resolution, but there are competing backlight technologies to consider as well.

From Popular-Science

You can customize the QuadCast S’s RGB lighting from the Windows Ngenuity software, whereas the Quadcast features a static red backlight emanating from the mic’s grill, as well as red threading through the included shock mount.

From Popular-Science

Its adjustable screen parameter setting lets you adjust the screen’s brightness, saturation, hue, backlight, and more.

From Popular-Science

AmazonThe wide brightness and color range of this Samsung QLED panel provide a vivid image, and its finely controlled backlights increase contrast.

From Popular-Science

It works best in fully shaded areas, and its direct LED backlight ensures that it stays bright enough for you to enjoy your favorite movie or show.

From Popular-Science

Willis's taxi ran on past the other, and through the backlight the inspector saw Archer alight and pass into the hotel.

From Project Gutenberg