1 [noncount] : the sense through which a person or animal becomes aware of light, color, etc., by using the eyes : the ability to see
▪ Your sight [=vision, eyesight] weakens as you get older. ▪ She regained sight in her left eye. ▪ He lost his sight [=he became blind] at a young age. 2 [noncount] : the act of seeing someone or something
▪ I know him by sight [=I have seen him], but I don't know his name. ▪ She hated him on sight. [=she hated him the first time she saw him] ▪ The officers were ordered to shoot on sight. — often + of ▪ The (mere) sight of her ex-boyfriend filled her with rage. ▪ We lost sight of the plane. [=we could no longer see the plane] ▪ He faints at the sight of [=when he sees] blood. ▪ He can't stand/bear the sight of blood. ▪ She caught sight of an eagle gliding through the air. — often used figuratively ▪ We must not lose sight of our goal. [=we must keep thinking about our goal] 3 [noncount] : a position in which someone or something can be seen
▪ The ship came into sight. [=into view] ▪ When I looked out the door, there was no one in sight. [=no one could be seen] ▪ Keep out of sight until I tell you it's OK to come out. ▪ The child wandered out of sight. ▪ Get out of my sight! [=go away from me; I don't want to see you] ▪ Don't let the puppy out of your sight. ▪ The rabbit disappeared from sight into the tall grass. ▪ The controls are hidden from sight behind a panel. ▪ She left her purse out in plain sight. = Her purse was in plain sight of anyone passing by. ▪ We finally came in/within sight of the mountains. [=we finally came to a place where we could see the mountains] ▪ A large pole was directly in my line of sight. [=a large pole was blocking my view] — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The end of the project is finally in/within sight. [=the end of the project is finally near] ◊The phrase out of sight, out of mind means that you stop thinking about something or someone if you do not see that thing or person for a period of time. 4 [count] a : someone or something that is seen
▪ The old dog was a pathetic/sorry sight. ▪ Deer are a common/familiar sight in this area. ▪ I've seen what he looks like when he gets out of bed in the morning, and believe me, it's not a pretty sight. ▪ The birth of the calf was a sight to see/behold. [=was an amazing or wonderful thing to see] ▪ We enjoyed the sights and sounds of the casino.
b : a famous or interesting place in an area — usually plural ▪ Our tour guide showed us the sights. ▪ We saw all the sights of/in the city. 5 [singular] informal : someone or something that is strange, funny, messy, etc.
▪ I'd invite you in, but the living room is a sight. ▪ He was all dressed up as a pirate. It was quite a sight (to see)! ▪ (chiefly Brit) You should get some sleep. You look a sight. 6 sights [plural] : a goal or expectation
▪ The company has raised/lowered its sights for annual sales by five percent. ▪ She has set her sights on becoming a doctor. [=she wants to become a doctor] 7 [count] : a device that is used to aim a gun
▪ He adjusted the sight of the rifle. — usually plural ▪ The deer was in her sights. = She could see the deer in her sights. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ He always had a law career in his sights. [=his goal was always to have a law career] 8 [singular] informal : a large amount or extent : a lot
▪ The car is a sight less expensive and has better gas mileage. ▪ The book is a far sight [=a great deal] better than the movie. ▪ You'll have to work a damn/darn sight quicker than that if you want to get done on time.