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.
Spot the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse Built in 1962 and officially called the Charleston Light, the black-and-white lighthouse that rises above the beach has become synonymous with the island—with most locals referring to it as the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2025 Head to Boca Chita Key, also part of the park, a 32-acre island with camping ($25 a night, first-come, first-served), hiking, and a lighthouse. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 21 Jan. 2025 It’s become this sort of lighthouse for David’s work and Laura and you. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025 The World Monuments Fund (WMF) regularly publishes a watchlist of locations likely to be endangered and has named 25 new additions that are at risk, ranging from the historic lighthouses in Maine to the moon. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 16 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

Dictionary Entries Near lighthouse

Cite this Entry

“Lighthouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighthouse. Accessed 16 Feb. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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