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

Pressed against the ship's railing, the sailors spotted a lighthouse and a water tower through binoculars. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Paintings from American art titans are displayed alongside a Fresnel lens designed for one of two lighthouses on nearby Thatcher Island as an example. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Spend time kayaking through salt marshes, fishing from ocean piers or on a deep sea charter, touring lighthouses like Old Baldy Lighthouse, birding, sampling local seafood, and visiting historic seaside fishing villages like Southport. — Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

Come discover it for yourself, and also explore the area nearby, filled with wineries, lighthouses, and dining and drinking options. — Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 24 June 2026

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