Synonyms

light show

American

noun

a form of entertainment consisting chiefly of constantly changing patterns of light and color, usually accompanied by music and sound effects.

light show British

noun

a kaleidoscopic display of moving lights, etc, projected onto a screen, esp during pop concerts

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of light show

First recorded in 1965–70

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 results indicate that Saturn's aurora is doing far more than creating a dazzling light show.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2026

The facade of the 10-story building was transformed into a carousel that turned into a light show every evening.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

As the light show unfolded, the lantern's blindingly bright facades concealed a flurry of activity behind, as teams of people turned large metal barrels called rotors by hand to produce a kaleidoscopic effect.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

A Falcon 9 has previously caused a stir in Southern California with the light show it left in its wake.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2025

A light show of green flashes rained down over us.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023