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

Still, leaving property for an excursion to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park—home to a mile-long beach, South Florida’s oldest lighthouse, and extensive walking and biking trails—is a must, especially for first-timers. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026

Southwest Lake Michigan Shore Every winter, lake-effect storms leave southwest Michigan's lighthouses and sand dunes cloaked in ice and snow. —Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 7 Jan. 2026

About a half-hour ride away, the Cabrillo National Monument features coastal trails, tidepools, a historic lighthouse, and scenic views. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park offers lighthouse views, a beach that harkens back to a pre-European version of Florida, and a waterfront trail that looks out over the clapboard homes in Stiltsville. —Eric Barton, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 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