lighthouse

noun

light·​house ˈlīt-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce lighthouse (audio)
1
: a structure (such as a tower) with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators
2

Illustration of lighthouse

Illustration of lighthouse
  • lighthouse 1

Examples of lighthouse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Part-way up the lighthouse's wall will be smashed open, letting you inside. Ryan Woodrow, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 Don’t miss part II The old lighthouse on the Nature Trail. Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2025 For now, the skeleton of a female humpback whale is laid out on the floor of the lighthouse, and three canoes are propped up in one wing of the old building. John Bartlett, NPR, 12 Jan. 2025 For many young men like me, who had challenging relationships with fathers, his lyrics shone like a lighthouse in the dense fog. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lighthouse

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lighthouse was in 1606

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Cite this Entry

“Lighthouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighthouse. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

lighthouse

noun
light·​house -ˌhau̇s How to pronounce lighthouse (audio)
: a tower with a powerful light at the top that is built on or near the shore to guide sailors at night
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