dimmer

American  

[dim-er] / ˈdɪm ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that dims.

2. Also called dimmer switch.  a rheostat or similar device by which the intensity of an electric light may be varied.

3. dimmers,

   1. the low-beam headlights of an automobile or truck.

   2. the small, parking lights of an automobile.

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dimmer British  

/ ˈdɪmə /

noun

1. a device, such as a rheostat, for varying the current through an electric light and thus changing the illumination

2. (often plural)

   1. a dipped headlight on a road vehicle

   2. a parking light on a car

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Etymology

Origin of dimmer

First recorded in 1815–25; dim + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The drop in sentiment mostly reflected dimmer short-term expectations, with many consumers staying more optimistic about longer-term prospects, Hsu said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

However, the positions of much dimmer galaxies and clouds of gas that also emit Lyman alpha light have remained mostly hidden.

From Science Daily • Mar. 8, 2026

The litigation comes as the public has taken a dimmer view of social media, particularly for young people.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

On social media, where the gathering has exploded, it looks like a multigenerational nightclub that could use dimmer lighting.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

“This baby’s a powerhouse!” he roared, stomping the accelerator and flying up Interstate 95 as I watched Daddy’s headlights through the back windshield grow dimmer and dimmer, then disappear altogether.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride

Related Words

• blurred
• cloudy
• dark
• dingy
• dull
• faint
• fuzzy
• gloomy
• lackluster
• murky
• shadowy
• vague