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

The haunted house stages feature a light bulb that Captain Astro has to pick to reveal invisible platforms while the level called Free Big Brother! has players unshackling a giant robot who has been tied down by baddies. —Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2024

Keep Light Bulbs From Sticking Outdoor light bulbs can have a knack for sticking in the socket after long periods of time, leaving you with the task of trying to unscrew a stubborn bulb without breaking the glass. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2024

Opportunity Cost: Some state officials opposed the spending, citing a years-old list of less-showy energy efficiency projects, like changing light bulbs, that haven't been funded. —Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2024

Other tech items on sale include a smart home starter bundle with an Echo Dot and a smart light bulb for less than $30. —Clint Davis, Peoplemag, 12 July 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