lighthouse

noun

light·​house ˈlīt-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce lighthouse (audio)
Synonyms of lighthousenext
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

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.
There’s a huge, lovely lighthouse there, at Pelican Point. — Lea Lane, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 It’s designed to charmingly reflect a waterfront lighthouse. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2025 At the other end of Eilean Mòr, past a mossy Celtic cross standing like a lighthouse at the island’s tallest point, Sandy showed us the Cave of Saint Cormac, its opening hardly more than four feet high, where eighth-century monks used to retreat for periods of secluded contemplation. — Leslie Jamison, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025 The black-and-white spiraled lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 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

Rhymes for lighthouse

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“Lighthouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighthouse. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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