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

After rounding Cap de ses Salines lighthouse, the trail heads north past Platja es Caragol and another two gorgeous coves (Roquetes and Carbó) before finishing up in Colònia de Sant Jordi. —Paul Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026

Pulsars are the universe’s lighthouses. —Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 Feb. 2026

Visitors to Rhode Island often marvel at the historic castles in Newport, the state's charming lighthouses, some of New England’s best beaches, and the inventive food scene in Providence. —Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026

Housed in a lighthouse from the 1890s, this is the place to soak up the local history and catch the water views from a unique vantage point. —Meredith Lindemon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 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