first light
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of first light
First recorded in 1945–50
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.
The first light also sets an internal timer for melatonin to be produced again 14 hours later.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 11, 2026
The sky was a black flag at first light.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 9, 2025
At first light on Saturday, more than 80 personnel from Alpine Rescue, Guardia di Finanza Rescue, Carabinieri and the local fire brigade resumed the search.
From BBC ● Jan. 11, 2025
As far as the science images goes, I thought the first light image which we have in detail that has never been published before is in there.
From Salon ● Oct. 8, 2024
At first light on June 8, two other members of the 1924 British team, George Leigh Mallory and Andrew Irvine, departed the highest camp for the top.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
![]()
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.