lights out

noun

1. Chiefly Military.,  a signal, usually by drum or bugle, that all or certain camp or barracks lights are to be extinguished for the night.

2. bedtime.

lights out

noun

1. the time when those resident at an institution, such as soldiers in barracks or children at a boarding school, are expected to retire to bed

2. a fanfare or other signal indicating or signifying this

Word History and Origins

Origin of lights out¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

The true bullpen arms will be better rested to be lights out when needed.

From Los Angeles Times

“The way that they came out today was, it was lights out,” Foster said, “so … I feel that they understand that they’re pressing and they need to show up.”

From Los Angeles Times

Against the Dodgers, though, he was lights out, yielding only two hits in six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and three walks.

From Los Angeles Times

Passersby glanced at her, and I pictured what they were thinking: Lights out, no one home.

From Salon

I get cuddly with my dog and read for a little while, and then, yeah, lights out by 10, but that’s even sometimes a little bit late.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• collapse 
• departure 
• dissolution 
• downfall 
• extinction 
• failure 
• passing 
• termination