/ˈlaɪtnɪŋ/

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Line drawing of lightning
Coloured illustration of lightning
#2,673 of 3,000Core 5000

Meaning

The bright flash of electricity you see in the sky during a storm.

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Word origin

From Middle English lightnen, meaning to make bright or to flash, built on the word light.

Origin
Middle English
Root
light
English cognates
light

Examples

.

Lightning is uncountable; for one flash, say "a flash of lightning" or "a lightning bolt".

.

You see lightning first and hear the thunder after it.

.

"As fast as lightning" or "lightning fast" means extremely fast.

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English · Free printables

lightning: worksheet, infographic and listicle

Free printable study downloads for the English word "lightning" (The bright flash of electricity you see in the sky during a storm.): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.

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This word is taught in chapter 29, lesson 10: lightning, cheek, romance and 7 more words.