dimmer

noun

dim·​mer ˈdi-mər 

1

: a device for regulating the intensity of an electric lighting unit

2

: low beam

Examples of dimmer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The mid-latitude northern lights might be dimmer than expected, and they can be obscured by the car headlights of other aurora-spotting hopefuls. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2024

Moreover, Qatar was able to position itself as the exclusive mediator between Israel and Hamas at a time when other countries in the region were distancing themselves from the Palestinian issue as its political prospects seemed to grow dimmer. —Yoel Guzansky, Foreign Affairs, 5 Jan. 2024

Wakes especially increase the potency of a topwater lure in low light conditions on cloudy days or in the morning or evening as smallmouth looking up from below can see them more clearly when backlit against a dimmer sky. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 23 May 2024

Here’s how to view it Feb. 23, 2024 Neptune, which is six times dimmer than Uranus, requires a telescope to be seen, according to Dyches. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dimmer

• dimmer switch

Kids Definition

dimmer

noun

dim·​mer ˈdim-ər 

1

: a device for controlling the amount of light from an electric lighting unit (as the headlights of an automobile or the lights of a room)

2

: low beam