A partial reduction in electrical power causing lights to dim and appliances to work poorly, or (military) a partial blackout of lights for security.
When electricity gets weak and lights go dim but don't go off completely.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To experience or cause a deliberate reduction in electrical power, resulting in dimmed lights and reduced voltage across an area.
"The utility company decided to brown out several suburbs to prevent a total grid failure."
(Military) To reduce or screen lighting in an area as a security measure, less complete than a full blackout.
"The coastal town was ordered to brown out during the naval exercises."
The lights turn brown/dim rather than going fully black — a direct description of the visual effect.
When electricity gets weak and lights go dim but don't go off completely.
Most commonly used as a noun ('a brownout') in American English. As a verb phrase, 'brown out' is less frequent. Used in electrical engineering, utility, and military contexts. Distinct from 'blackout', which implies total loss.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "brown out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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