light pollution

American  

noun

1. unwanted or harmful light, as from bright street lights or neon signs.

2. Astronomy. artificial illumination of the sky that sets a limit on the faintness of stars that can be observed or photographed.

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light pollution British  

noun

1. the glow from street and domestic lighting that obscures the night sky and hinders the observation of faint stars

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Etymology

Origin of light pollution

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

In contrast, some industrialized nations saw declines in light emissions, often linked to the adoption of LED technology and policies aimed at reducing light pollution.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

A buildout of the claims could end public access to the area and permanently scar the landscape, drawing traffic and light pollution and harming springs and groundwater stores, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

When it's cloudy, light pollution reflecting off the ground can make the clouds glow and look a lot like an aurora.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

But there has to be no light pollution, which can be challenging in towns and cities across the UK.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

We use the fence to help us climb up onto the garage and then we look up at the three or so stars we can see through the light pollution and smog.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick