light show

American

noun

a form of entertainment consisting chiefly of constantly changing patterns of light and color, usually accompanied by music and sound effects.

light show British

noun

a kaleidoscopic display of moving lights, etc, projected onto a screen, esp during pop concerts

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of light show

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The facade of the 10-story building was transformed into a carousel that turned into a light show every evening.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

As the light show unfolded, the lantern's blindingly bright facades concealed a flurry of activity behind, as teams of people turned large metal barrels called rotors by hand to produce a kaleidoscopic effect.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

Another network correspondent reported “a tremendous light show here, just a tremendous light show.”

From Salon • Sep. 8, 2025

The move comes as some venues have switched from fireworks to drone shows — in which a fleet of drones performs a choreographed light show — to celebrate the 4th of July.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2025

The light show that I thought was flashing above the city is called the skyway.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023