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

Patti Smith and Dolly Parton, Krieps adds, are some of her lighthouses. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

The Circle Tour links galleries, orchards, lighthouses, state parks, shops, and, yes, those famous fish boils, whose roaring fires and steaming potatoes are extra enticing on chilly fall nights. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 12 Sep. 2026

Victorian architecture buffs can enjoy an off-season visit to Cape May, New Jersey, for lighthouse views, beach strolls, and wine tasting without the summer crowds. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2026

Compared with the stellar lighthouse of Deneb, Vega and Altair are, comparatively speaking, penlight flashlights. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 10 Sep. 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