light bulb

noun \ ˈlīt-ˌbəlb \

variants: or lightbulb

|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Definition of light bulb

: 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 : fluorescent lamp

See light bulb defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of light bulb from the Web

The Grahams could easily improve their gloomy mood by investing in some hundred-watt light bulbs, but no: this is horror, and therefore the dinner table must be illuminated as dimly as a crypt.

— anthony lane, The New Yorker, "“Hereditary” Delivers a New Kind of Horror," 7 June 2018
The items totaled over $333 and included light bulbs, healthcare products, clothes, makeup, and a pool, according to a police report.

— erik s. hanley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Two men attempt to steal 42 items at one time from South Milwaukee Walmart," 9 May 2018
Question: When did the light bulb come on that this wasn't really chicken?

— david sharos, Naperville Sun, "Chef's Choice: Can't beat grilled meat in this chef's book," 5 Apr. 2018
Since Alexa already has the capability to link to other smart home devices like your thermostat, security camera, light bulbs, home speakers, and kitchen appliances, the possibilities for jazzing up your daily routines are practically endless.

— Sunset, "Rock out with Alexa’s Newest Feature," 22 Jan. 2018
Use low-wattage yellow light bulbs instead of high-wattage white lights.

— elizabeth narins, Cosmopolitan, "How to Go to Sleep," 9 June 2017
Each one can last up to 22 years and uses about one-sixth of the energy of a conventional light bulb.

— dominic fracassa, San Francisco Chronicle, "SF giving away 100,000 long-lasting LED bulbs, mostly to disadvantaged," 10 Apr. 2018
For Owings, a light bulb went off for him during spring training when, during a hitter’s meeting early in camp, the coaching staff gave a presentation on the strategy.

— nick piecoro, azcentral, "Arizona Diamondbacks' hitters locking in with new approach," 10 Apr. 2018
Towers looked over the officer, asked his name, and a light bulb switched on.

— jeff sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Kevin Towers' 'orbit' an irresistible force in baseball, life," 25 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'light bulb.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of light bulb

First Known Use of light bulb

1884

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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LIGHT BULB Defined for Kids

light bulb

noun

Definition of light bulb for Students

: a lamp in which a glow is produced by the heating of a wire by an electric current

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Definition of light bulb

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