lighthouse

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noun light·house \ ˈlīt-ˌhau̇s \

Definition of lighthouse

1 :a structure (such as a tower) with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators

2 :beacon 3

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Recent Examples of lighthouse from the Web

Ray throttled down occasionally to step from behind the helm and point out a nuclear submarine coming in, a sea lion relaxing on a buoy, or the two historic lighthouses on Point Loma.

— logan jenkins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Ocean adventure for kids comes in extremely different comfort zones," 26 Aug. 2017
At that moment, the dark shadow of the moon touches the Paciific Coast at the Yaquina Head lighthouse outside the coastal town of Newport, Ore. There is no doubt about this.

— tyler nordgren, Discover Magazine, "Eclipse 2017: Darkness Is Coming," 7 Aug. 2017
Mobile's iconic Middle Bay Light lighthouse is back online, thanks to a $720,000 federal grant that will help keep the public informed about what's happening under the bay's surface.

— lawrence specker, AL.com, "$720,000 grant will keep Mobile Bay sensor net alive," 23 July 2017
According to People, a group of teenage fans also camped out at a nearby lighthouse hoping for a sighting of their great leader, only to receive 1989 guitar picks sent over by Taylor’s dad.

— peggy truong, Cosmopolitan, "Taylor Swift’s Fourth of July Party Didn’t Happen But That Taymerica Slide Showed Up Anyway," 5 July 2017
Well, that and the singer’s father, who sent over 1989 guitar picks to fans camped out at nearby lighthouse.

— vanityfair.com, "Taylor Swift’s Dad Was the Only One Who Kept Her Fourth of July Tradition Alive," 5 July 2017
A personal favorite, a lighthouse, was taken the other day from the deck of a ferry coming into the dock in Islesboro, Me.

— jennifer steinhauer, New York Times, "Beekeeper, Baker, Photographer … Senator?," 29 June 2017
LighthousesThe Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the icon of the Outer Banks.

— birmingham magazine, AL.com, "Take a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina," 27 June 2017
For the best view, be sure to stand in the water off the rocky shoreline and take pictures of the lighthouse from the lake.

— shonda talerico dudlicek, chicagotribune.com, "Racine, Wis.: Come for the kringle, stay for the lakefront beauty," 22 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lighthouse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of lighthouse

First Known Use of lighthouse

1622

LIGHTHOUSE Defined for English Language Learners

lighthouse

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noun

Definition of lighthouse for English Language Learners

: a tower with a powerful light that is built on or near the shore to guide ships away from danger

LIGHTHOUSE Defined for Kids

lighthouse

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noun light·house \ ˈlīt-ˌhau̇s \

Definition of lighthouse for Students

:a tower that produces a powerful glow to guide sailors at night or in poor visibility

Learn More about lighthouse

See words that rhyme with lighthouse Spanish Central: Translation of lighthouse Nglish: Translation of lighthouse for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lighthouse for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lighthouse

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lighthouse

Definition of lighthouse

Recent Examples of lighthouse from the Web

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lighthouse

Definition of lighthouse for English Language Learners

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lighthouse

Definition of lighthouse for Students

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