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

From his invention of the light bulb and electric power generation to sound recording and the motion picture camera. —Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024

The type of light bulb is also a factor in the planning, according to Rittenhouse. —Adrienne Davis, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024

Others are manufacturing plants established by foreign multinationals, producing everything from light bulbs to car parts. —Ruchir Sharma, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021

For example, Thomas Edison failed many times before inventing the light bulb. —Gabby Ben, The Mercury News, 20 June 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