lighthouse

noun

light·​house ˈlīt-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce lighthouse (audio)
1
: a structure (such as a tower) with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators
2

Illustration of lighthouse

Illustration of lighthouse
  • lighthouse 1

Examples of lighthouse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Theo, an egotist, has just been made master lighthouse keeper at the new Gininwabiko lighthouse. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025 The public will be able to access the onsite parking lot, beach, lighthouse park, public park to the north, fire pit, dune area, grotto area, and exterior green space during business hours and seven days a week, according to city documents. Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025 Maybe then lunch, a visit to the lighthouse, the museum. Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025 In addition to the view, the museum includes belongings, photos and memories of the lighthouse keepers and their families. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lighthouse

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lighthouse was in 1606

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Cite this Entry

“Lighthouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighthouse. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

lighthouse

noun
light·​house -ˌhau̇s How to pronounce lighthouse (audio)
: a tower with a powerful light at the top that is built on or near the shore to guide sailors at night
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