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

The lighthouse, which has been closed for 25 years to the public, should reopen by the end of the year, said Chris Spohrer, superintendent of the Santa Cruz district of state parks. —Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026

While winters are cold, the months of May through October are divine; go on scenic cruises, explore historic lighthouses, and see the migrating whales. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2026

These objects can blast beams of radiation from their poles that sweep across the universe like light from a cosmic lighthouse. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2026

The lighthouse was in rough shape. —Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 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