lighthouse

noun

light·​house ˈlīt-ˌhau̇s 

1

: a structure (such as a tower) with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators

2

: beacon sense 2

Illustration of lighthouse

• lighthouse 1

Examples of lighthouse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s set in a lighthouse on Lake Superior, where the great inland sea has its own moods and is the apparent dwelling place of an omniscient narrator whose comments begin every chapter. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025

Theo, an egotist, has just been made master lighthouse keeper at the new Gininwabiko lighthouse. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025

However, the barriers and opportunities facing the research enterprise are a lighthouse in a foggy harbor. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025

One of seven remaining lighthouses that dot the North Carolina coast from Brunswick to the Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras is the tallest and most recognizable of all. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lighthouse

• alehouse
• almshouse
• backhouse
• baghouse
• bakehouse
• bathhouse
• bauhaus
• blockhouse
• boathouse
• brewhouse
• bunkhouse
• clubhouse

Kids Definition

lighthouse

noun

light·​house -ˌhau̇s 

: a tower with a powerful light at the top that is built on or near the shore to guide sailors at night