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

Start your visit by climbing the 203 stairs to the top of Florida's oldest lighthouse, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026

The lighthouse began operating in 1791. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026

Take the Thordarson Loop Trail from the ferry port to Pottawatomie Lighthouse, the state's oldest lighthouse. —Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 17 Apr. 2026

The island, which first made its debut in 2019, offers travelers the opportunity to relax on eight pristine beaches, grab a bite or drink at its range of dining options and take advantage of the many shore excursions offered — from snorkeling to lighthouse sightseeing. —Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 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