houselights

[ hous-lahyts ]

plural noun

1. the lamps providing illumination of the auditorium or seating area of a theater.

Word History and Origins

Origin of houselights¹

First recorded in 1915–20; house + light ¹ + -s ³

Example Sentences

The start of the second act finds the houselights up for a voices-raised town meeting in which the cast members spread themselves around the auditorium to argue their case and hold the minister to account.

From New York Times

After what felt like forever, the houselights went down and an announcer’s voice boomed through the auditorium, introducing the two fighters, who entered the arena from the locker rooms on opposite sides.

From Literature

“Riverview Pirates never give up. But we did spend some time in a cave last night. Can we dim the houselights, please? Hit it, Kojo.”

From Literature

Note: “The King’s Man” contains just enough far-fetched-sounding facts to send you running straight for Wikipedia as soon as the houselights come up.

From Washington Post

I can't imagine what it feels like for you at this moment when the houselights are dim all over the world.

From Salon