# lightning

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ/ · frequency rank #4,960

## Definitions
1. A flash of light produced by short-duration, high-voltage discharge of electricity within a cloud, between clouds, or between a cloud and the earth.
2. A discharge of this kind.
3. Anything that moves very fast.
4. Gin.
5. Obsolete form of lightening.

## Etymology
From light(e)n + -ing. Doublet of lightening.

## Easily confused with
- **lighting** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lighting-vs-lightning)
- **lightening** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lightening-vs-lightning)

## Common misspellings (14)
`ilghtning`, `lgihtning`, `ligghtning`, `lighhtning`, `lighnting`, `lightnign`, `lightningg`, `lightninng`, `lightnnig`, `lightnning`, `lighttning`, `ligthning`, `lihgtning`, `llightning`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/lightning