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

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on the shores of Lake Michigan features miles of sand beach, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna, towering bluffs, an island lighthouse, coastal villages, picturesque farmsteads and more. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 30 July 2025

The state’s oldest lighthouse resides atop a 60-foot bluff overlooking Egans Creek. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 July 2025

There are also excursions, at an extra cost, that include activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and climbing the island’s lighthouse. —Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2025

Yet, lenders would be wise not to overlook their ability to serve as a lighthouse in navigating the foggy risk landscapes of 2025 and 2026. —Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 17 July 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