Light; glow; gleam — the soft or faint illumination seen in dim places.
窓辺に明かりがともると、部屋が暖かく感じられる。
When a light is lit by the window, the room feels warm.
遠くに街の明かりが見えた。
I could see the city's lights in the distance.
ろうそくの明かりが揺れている。
The candlelight is flickering.
A light or lamp; a source of illumination (e.g., lamp, lantern). Can also be written as 灯火.
夜道では明かりを持って歩いたほうが安全だ。
It's safer to walk with a light on a path at night.
電球の明かりを暗めにして映画を見た。
I dimmed the light bulb and watched a movie.
古い街並みには和風の明かりが似合う。
Traditional lighting suits the old townscape.
Dated usage: proof (of innocence) or evidence; now somewhat literary/old-fashioned.
彼の潔白の明かりは最後まで示されなかった（古風な表現）。
His proof of innocence was never shown until the end (archaic phrasing).