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.
Irving’s lighthouse, built for the 1893 World’s Fair, was salt crusted, wind battered, and timeworn, at once a shithole and a feat of civil engineering. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 Be sure to rent a bike in town and ride out to North Light, one of the island’s historic lighthouses. — Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026 Finally came the tattoos — people proudly displaying body art of the Sea Hag, the town’s lighthouse, the eccentric lighthouse keeper Garrett, Patricia dancing. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 In addition to standard lettering, Kassatex has a menu of fun embroidery decals that can sit alongside monograms, including a lighthouse motif, delicate bow designs, and even a martini glass to turn tub time into a party. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 Aug. 2026 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

See All Rhymes for lighthouse

Browse Nearby Words

light-hour
lighthouse
lighthouse keeper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lighthouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighthouse. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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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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