fluorescent

adjective

fluo·​res·​cent flu̇-ˈre-sᵊnt How to pronounce fluorescent (audio)
flȯ-
1
: having or relating to fluorescence
2
: bright and glowing as a result of fluorescence
fluorescent inks
broadly : very bright in color
fluorescent noun
fluorescently adverb

Examples of fluorescent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These new ones don’t need fluorescent lights to illuminate them at night, therefore no catwalks for workers to change out burned out bulbs. — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Using fluorescent imaging to watch neurons fire in real time, Ruta and her colleagues pinpointed neurons that acted as the fly’s compass. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026 Cozy is the name of the game here, as Cummings rightfully points out that dorm rooms usually come equipped with harsh fluorescent lights. — Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 27 July 2026 But a step inside revealed bright fluorescent lights and a dozen fencers hard at work. — Elijah Polance, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fluorescent

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluorescent was in 1853

Phrases Containing fluorescent

Rhymes for fluorescent

See All Rhymes for fluorescent

Browse Nearby Words

fluorescence
fluorescent
fluorescent brightener
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fluorescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorescent. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fluorescent

adjective
flu·​o·​res·​cent
ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes-ᵊnt
1
: having or relating to fluorescence
2
: very bright in color
fluorescent markers

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