- comparative of dim.
dimmer
Americannoun
-
dimmers
plural
-
a person or thing that dims.
-
Also called dimmer switch. a rheostat or similar device by which the intensity of an electric light may be varied.
-
dimmers,
-
the low-beam headlights of an automobile or truck.
-
the small, parking lights of an automobile.
-
noun
-
a device, such as a rheostat, for varying the current through an electric light and thus changing the illumination
-
(often plural)
-
a dipped headlight on a road vehicle
-
a parking light on a car
-
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of dimmer
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
"These are like dimmer switches that control how active genes are, and they are affected by life experiences such as stress, learning, aging, chemicals, etc.,"
From Science Daily ● Aug. 25, 2026
Actor, singer and "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane wrote on X that "the world is a dimmer place without her."
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
He said you could feel the temperature dropping and the light getting dimmer, before what looked like a crescent moon appeared, except it was a "crescent sun".
From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026
That prospect was growing dimmer a few years later when playwrights such as Suzan-Lori Parks and Lynn Nottage came into prominence.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026
The tent grew dimmer, and sleep took her again.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
In addition to turning off your lights whenever possible, motion sensors, dimmers, and shields for light fixtures that direct nighttime glare downward can help reduce light pollution.
From National Geographic ● Feb. 14, 2024
The next step up would be a home-automation system with smart dimmers, allowing you to set scenes for various times of day and uses.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 8, 2024
With dimmers, movement sensors and more, the tools exist to light our nights differently.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 1, 2023
Wiz accessories include smart plugs, remotes, motion sensors, and in-wall dimmers.
From The Verge ● Sep. 3, 2021
Down on the road an occasional truck passed by with its dimmers on.
From "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
