Sight

/saɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The faculty or power of seeing; the ability to perceive visual stimuli.
Her sight is so poor that she needs glasses to read.
Something that is seen; a view, especially of something notable.
The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking sight that attracts millions of visitors.
A device for aiding vision, such as a telescope or a gun sight.
He adjusted the sight on his rifle to improve his accuracy.
The range or extent of vision; the area that is visible.
The mountain appeared in sight as we rounded the bend.
An event or scene regarded as impressive or worth seeing.
The parade was a colorful sight that delighted all the spectators.
verb
To see or perceive.
I sighted a deer while hiking in the woods.
To locate or aim at a target with a sighting device.
The marksman sighted down the barrel before taking a shot.

Etymology

Middle English 'siht', from Old English 'sihþ', related to 'sēon' (to see).

Common Phrases and Expressions

sight for sore eyes
Someone or something that one is pleased to see.
in sight
Visible or within view.
out of sight
Not visible; far away; also means excellent or very good in slang.

Related Words

vision
The ability to see; eyesight.
spectacle
A visually striking performance or display.
insight
The capacity to gain an accurate understanding of someone or something.

Slang Meanings

Out of sight
That concert was out of sight, it was amazing!
See you later, alligator (in a while, crocodile)
After the meeting, he said, 'I'm off, see you later, alligator!'