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.
And others are opting for a simple, low-tech approach: Handwritten postcards, including iconic Michigan imagery, like a lighthouse, with the date to vote and personalized messages. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024 Mbaye, who now lives in Texas, told me about Diop’s passion for seeing the city from a lighthouse, and catching it unawares at dawn. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2024 Built in 1925, the three-story lighthouse has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and is almost 3,000 square feet. Nicolas Vega,celia Fernandez,jennifer Liu, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2024 Would Tabitha, for instance, be able to cross back to the lighthouse this way? Erik Kain, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 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 21 Nov. 2024.

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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