light bulb

noun \ ˈlīt-ˌbəlb \

variants: or lightbulb

Updated on: 20 Apr 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

There are lots of things people can do to live a greener lifestyle: switch to compact florescent light bulbs; trade up to an electric car; cut down on plastic garbage and recycle as much as possible.

— grant butler, OregonLive.com, "Earth Day is a perfect time to look at food choices and how they affect the planet," 16 Apr. 2018
Floating clocks, turntables, speakers, incense holders, light bulbs, and a surprising number of plants have successfully made their way through crowdfunding sites.

— jacob kastrenakes, The Verge, "Levitating gadgets will disappoint you," 12 Apr. 2018
It was served under a dangling light bulb, as the chandelier was removed.

— dave hyde, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Hyde: Huizenga changed South Florida — and deserves our thanks | Commentary," 23 Mar. 2018
Residents can also drop off florescent light bulbs, household batteries and donate items in good condition to Goodwill Industries of San Diego County between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday.

— city news service, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Unwanted appliances and furniture? Here's where to drop it off.," 17 Mar. 2018
Employees also donate school supplies (things like light bulbs, hula hoops and socks, based on teacher requests) and help plant Taggart’s garden.

— lini s. kadaba, Philly.com, "What RevZilla is doing to increase its connection to the Philadelphia community," 14 Mar. 2018
Imagine a world without oil refining, light bulbs, assembly lines, indoor plumbing or adhesive bandages.

— ken fisher, USA TODAY, "How your 401(k) stocks harness the power of invention," 11 Mar. 2018
After thinking hard about the bag’s contents, a light bulb went off for the kids.

— nancy daly, Cincinnati.com, "Students make survival bags for homeless during cold snap," 5 Jan. 2018
In the house three low-wattage light bulbs flickered on.

— david fettling, Longreads, "Uncomfortable Silences: A Walk in Myanmar," 29 Mar. 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

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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