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

Just as a lighthouse’s beam testifies to the presence of otherwise-invisible cliffs on a dark night, the stars that move around these dark celestial bodies would reveal their existence. —Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025

Nearby Oak Island offers more nostalgic beach activities like a fishing pier, lighthouse, mini golf, and nature center. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025

Returning the Fresnel lens to the tower has long been a mission of Central Coast Lighthouse Keepers (a nonprofit dedicated to preserving lighthouses like Point Sur), O’Neil said. —A.k. Whitney, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025

Now automated, the lighthouse doubles as a halfway house and holiday accommodation for the course, its beam still sweeping the sea though guided by automation rather than keepers. —Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

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