light meter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Photographic
Quick answer
What does “light meter” mean?
A device used to measure the intensity of light, primarily to determine the correct exposure settings for a camera.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device used to measure the intensity of light, primarily to determine the correct exposure settings for a camera.
More broadly, any instrument for measuring illumination (e.g., in photography, cinematography, or lighting design). Historically, a standalone mechanical or electronic device; now often integrated into digital cameras or smartphones as a built-in feature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The term is identical in both varieties. Potential minor differences in the specific models or brands discussed colloquially.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties. Associated with professional and amateur photography.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties within photographic contexts. Less common in general everyday discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “light meter” in a Sentence
use [a/the] light meterrely on [a/the] light metertake a reading with [a/the] light meter[a/the] light meter reads/suggests/indicates [exposure value]calibrate [a/the] light meterVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “light meter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- n/a (not used as a verb)
American English
- n/a (not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- n/a (not used as an adverb)
American English
- n/a (not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- n/a (not used as an adjective)
American English
- n/a (not used as an adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in retail for camera equipment or manufacturing specs.
Academic
Used in physics (optics), photography, cinematography, and design courses.
Everyday
Used primarily by photography enthusiasts or professionals. Not common in general conversation.
Technical
Standard term in photography, cinematography, lighting design, and optics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “light meter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “light meter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “light meter”
- Confusing 'light meter' with a 'lux meter' (which measures ambient light for workplaces, not photographic exposure).
- Using it as a verb, e.g., 'I need to light meter the scene' (incorrect); correct: 'I need to use a light meter on the scene').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For most casual photographers, the built-in meter is sufficient. Professionals often use external meters for greater precision, especially in studio lighting or complex mixed-light situations.
An incident light meter measures the light falling *onto* the subject. A reflected light meter (like most in-camera meters) measures the light reflecting *off* the subject. Incident readings are less influenced by subject tone.
Yes, there are many apps that use the phone's ambient light sensor to give approximate readings, though they are generally less accurate than dedicated handheld meters for critical work.
It's a mode where the light meter reads only a very small, specific area of the scene (the 'spot'), allowing for precise exposure control of that area, ignoring the rest of the frame.
A device used to measure the intensity of light, primarily to determine the correct exposure settings for a camera.
Light meter is usually technical/photographic in register.
Light meter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪt ˌmiːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪt ˌmiːt̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “n/a”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: To get the LIGHT right, you MEASURE it with a METER.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIGHT METER is a GUIDE (it guides the photographer to correct settings).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a light meter?