beacon

¹bea·con

noun \ˈbē-kən\

Definition of BEACON

1

: a signal fire commonly on a hill, tower, or pole

2

a : a lighthouse or other signal for guidance b : a radio transmitter emitting signals for guidance of aircraft

3

: a source of light or inspiration

Examples of BEACON

1. These countries are beacons of democracy.
2. Our nation should be a beacon of peace to people around the world.

Origin of BEACON

Middle English beken, from Old English bēacen sign; akin to Old High German bouhhan sign

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to BEACON

Synonyms: light, illuminant, lamp

Related Words: arc lamp (also arc light), candelabra, candelabrum, candle, chandelier, dark lantern, electric, flare, flash, flashbulb, flashcube, flashlight, floodlight, fluorescent lamp, gaslight, gasolier, girandole, headlight, incandescent lamp, klieg light (or kleig light), lantern, light bulb, lighthouse, lighting, sconce, spotlight, streetlight, sun lamp

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Rhymes with BEACON

deacon, sleeken, weaken