Light up
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To start smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe (informal)
Example sentence
He stepped outside to light a cigarette.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: light up + cigarette / cigar (noun)
light up a cigarette
light up a cigar
light up a pipe
step outside to light up
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
He lit up a cigarette after dinner. ✅ (Correct)
He lit a cigarette up after dinner. ✅ (Correct)
Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To suddenly look or feel happy
Example sentence
Her face lit up when she saw the puppy.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: face / eyes + light up / light up + when
face lights up
eyes light up
light up with joy
light up someone's day
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
His eyes lit up at the good news. ✅ (Correct)
His eyes lit at the good news up. ❌ (Incorrect — "light up" stays together)
Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To make a place bright, or to make something more cheerful or exciting
Example sentence
The fireworks lit up the night sky.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: light up + place / event (noun)
light up the sky
light up a room
light up your holiday
light up the stage
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
The lamp lit up the whole room. ✅ (Correct)
The lamp lit the whole room up. ✅ (Correct)