Definition of "alight" in English

verb

1. (transitive, also figuratively, obsolete) To make less heavy; to lighten; to alleviate, to relieve.

2. Often followed by from or off: to get off an animal which one has been riding; to dismount; to descend or exit from a vehicle; hence, to complete one's journey; to stop.

   • He alighted from his horse.
   • Passengers are alighting from the carriage.

3. Often followed by at, on, or upon: of something aloft: to descend and settle; to land, to lodge, to rest.

   • A flying bird alights upon a tree.
   • Snow alights on a roof.

4. To come down or go down; to descend.

5. Often followed by on or upon: of a blow, something thrown, etc.: to land heavily.

6. Often followed by on or upon: to find by accident; to chance upon, to come upon.

7. To arrive.

verb

1. To cast light on (something); to illuminate, to light up.

2. To set light to (something); to set (something) on fire; to ignite, to light.

adjective

1. Burning, lit, on fire.

   • The burning embers and the dry wind quickly set the whole neighbourhood alight.
   • The sticks were damp and wouldn’t catch alight.

2. Often followed by with: shining with light; luminous, radiant; also, brightly coloured; vivid.

3. (figuratively) Aglow with activity or emotion.

   • Her face was alight with happiness.

adverb

1. (also figuratively) Chiefly in set alight: in flames, on fire; aflame.