Illustration of light bulb
- 1 bulb containing gas
- 2 filament
- 3 connecting and supporting wires
- 4 exhaust tube
- 5 screw base
- 6 base contact
light bulb
noun
variants
or lightbulb
plural light bulbs or lightbulbs
: an electric lamp: such as
a
: one in which a filament gives off light when heated to incandescence by an electric current
called also incandescent, incandescent lamp
b
: one having a coating of fluorescent material on its inner surface that emits visible light : fluorescent lamp
especially
: compact fluorescent light
c
: one using LEDs to generate light
Examples of light bulb in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Old and extra light bulbs seem to always end up in a box on a garage shelf, wasting storage space that could be used for other items.
—
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Keep Light Bulbs From Sticking Outdoor light bulbs can have a knack for sticking in the socket after long periods of time, leaving you with the task of trying to unscrew a stubborn bulb without breaking the glass.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
The Shiloh lamp is also compatible with dimmable light bulbs for a more customizable glow.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 20 June 2025
The light bulb moment for Fleck was when both her professional and personal experiences showed her what validation can do.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for light bulb
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Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Keep Light Bulbs From Sticking Outdoor light bulbs can have a knack for sticking in the socket after long periods of time, leaving you with the task of trying to unscrew a stubborn bulb without breaking the glass.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
The Shiloh lamp is also compatible with dimmable light bulbs for a more customizable glow.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 20 June 2025
The light bulb moment for Fleck was when both her professional and personal experiences showed her what validation can do.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for light bulb
Cite this Entry
“Light bulb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light%20bulb. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lightbulb
noun
light·bulb
ˈlīt-ˌbəlb 
: an electric lamp: as
a
: one in which a filament gives off light when heated by an electric current
called also incandescent lamp
b
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