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 most effective teams thrive when leaders recognize that every attempt that falls short—like Edison's 1,000 attempts at perfecting the light bulb—represents progress, not failure. —Garry Ridge, Time, 4 Aug. 2025

For example, tenants should cover basic expenses like changing light bulbs. —Cory Albert, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

The light bulbs are shatterproof and built to withstand year-round conditions, including wind, rain, and sun. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 30 July 2025

Heavier-than-air powered flight is up there with the printing press, the combustion engine, the light bulb and the computer. —Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for light bulb

• lightbulb

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