1 B2 neutral
To reduce the brightness of lights, especially across a city or area as a wartime or emergency measure.
"During the war, coastal cities were required to dim out their lights to make targeting harder for enemy aircraft."
separable
dim out
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To reduce the brightness of lights, especially as a wartime or safety measure; or to become gradually darker.
In plain English
To make lights less bright, or to get darker slowly.
What does "dim out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To gradually become less bright or visible.
"The stage dimmed out slowly as the final scene came to an end."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something dim and cause it to fade outward.
Actually means
To make lights less bright, or to get darker slowly.
Usage tip
Historically associated with World War II civil defence practices — cities would 'dim out' (partially reduce lighting) as opposed to a full 'blackout'. Also used in theatre and broadcasting contexts. Less common today outside historical or technical usage.
Words that pair with "dim out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
lights city stage screen theatre streets
How to conjugate "dim out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
dim out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dims out
he/she/it
Past simple
dimed out
yesterday
Past participle
dimed out
have + pp
-ing form
diming out
continuous
Hear "dim out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "dim out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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