light bulb

noun

variants or lightbulb

ˈlīt-ˌbəlb 

plural light bulbs or lightbulbs

: an electric lamp: such as

a

: one in which a filament gives off light when heated to incandescence by an electric current

called also incandescent, incandescent lamp

b

: one having a coating of fluorescent material on its inner surface that emits visible light : fluorescent lamp

especially : compact fluorescent light

c

: one using LEDs to generate light

Illustration of light bulb

• 1 bulb containing gas
• 2 filament
• 3 connecting and supporting wires
• 4 exhaust tube
• 5 screw base
• 6 base contact

Examples of light bulb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Palmer devised an even bigger production, ultimately covering a 700-pound ball of iron and wood with 100 light bulbs to descend a pole that stood 50 feet above the 400-foot tower. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 31 Dec. 2024

Thomas Edison spent over two years attempting to improve his light bulb. —Anthony Fredericks, Contributor, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2024

Smart light bulbs Smart light bulbs are a gift that can save the recipient money on their monthly bills, as well as provide another layer of security to any home they are used in. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 7 Dec. 2024

Being Careless with Fragile Items Small light bulbs aren’t the only delicate decor item to consider when packing away. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lightbulb

noun

light·​bulb ˈlīt-ˌbəlb 

: an electric lamp: as

a

: one in which a filament gives off light when heated by an electric current

called also incandescent lamp

b

: fluorescent lamp