lights out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, but also used in formal institutional contexts (military, schools).
Quick answer
What does “lights out” mean?
The moment when lights are switched off, especially signaling bedtime or the end of an activity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The moment when lights are switched off, especially signaling bedtime or the end of an activity.
A signal or command marking a curfew, bedtime, or cessation of activity; can also figuratively mean complete defeat, closure, or a knockout (in sports).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it similarly. 'Lights out' as an adjective meaning 'exceptionally good' (e.g., 'a lights-out pitcher') is more prevalent in US sports journalism.
Connotations
In institutional contexts (military, boarding schools), it carries a formal, command-based connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the extended sports-related usage.
Grammar
How to Use “lights out” in a Sentence
Lights out at + TIMEIt's lights out for + ENTITYcall lights outVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lights out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The prefect will lights out at precisely 2200 hours.
- They decided to lights out early after the long journey.
American English
- The sergeant called lights out for the entire barracks.
- The coach threatened to lights out the practice if effort didn't improve.
adverb
British English
- The dorm goes lights out at ten.
- The factory runs lights out during maintenance.
American English
- He pitched lights out for the entire ninth inning.
- The system is designed to operate lights out.
adjective
British English
- The dorm was in a state of lights-out silence.
- It was a lights-out rule in the youth hostel.
American English
- The rookie pitcher delivered a lights-out performance last night.
- We're aiming for a lights-out cybersecurity system.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Could metaphorically refer to a business shutting down permanently ('It was lights out for the startup after the funding dried up').
Academic
Used in historical/sociological texts describing institutional life (e.g., 'The regiment's discipline included a strict lights out').
Everyday
Common for parents talking to children about bedtime ('Lights out in five minutes!').
Technical
Used in electrical/engineering contexts to denote a state of zero illumination (e.g., 'The system simulates a total lights-out scenario').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lights out”
- Using it as a verb without 'call' or similar (Incorrect: 'He lights out at 10'. Correct: 'He calls lights out at 10' or 'Lights out is at 10'). Confusing 'lights out' (bedtime signal) with 'light out' (to leave quickly).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not typically by itself. It's usually preceded by a verb like 'call', 'signal', or 'order' (e.g., 'The counsellor called lights out').
'Blackout' typically refers to a widespread, often involuntary, loss of electrical power or lights. 'Lights out' is usually a controlled, scheduled event or a command.
The hyphenated form 'lights-out' is common when the phrase is used attributively before a noun (e.g., 'a lights-out policy', 'lights-out performance'). As a standalone noun, it's often written without a hyphen ('Lights out is at 10').
It's pronounced as written: /laɪts aʊt/. The 'gh' is silent, and the 's' in 'lights' links smoothly to the 'ou' in 'out'. The stress is roughly equal on both words.
The moment when lights are switched off, especially signaling bedtime or the end of an activity.
Lights out is usually informal, but also used in formal institutional contexts (military, schools). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's lights out.”
- “Lights out for someone/something.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a light switch being flicked OFF. The phrase sounds like a command: 'Lights... OUT!' - short and final.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE END IS DARKNESS / CESSATION OF ACTIVITY IS LOSS OF LIGHT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'lights out' MOST likely used as an adjective meaning 'excellent'?