first light

American  

noun

Southern U.S.

1. dawn.

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first light British  

noun

1. the time when light first appears in the morning; dawn

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Etymology

Origin of first light

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

By first light there was the shuffling of feet to be heard, and creaking cartwheels and occasionally a neighing horse.

From Literature

Investor documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal said the goal is for the plane to be the first light jet to focus on artificial-intelligence flight.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Still, we shall see. Let us rest now. We will start at first light. It would be well to be early visitors if visitors we are to be."

From Literature

Shortly after picking up our dinner at Joan’s on Third, my friend started asking Lynda questions — first light questions like “Where are you from?” and “What do you do?”

From Los Angeles Times

Up at first light, I stepped out on the porch and stared across the yard, out at the fields, the orchard, and beyond.

From Literature

Related Words

• dawning