beacon

The word “beacon” means a light, fire, or signal used to guide, warn, or mark a location. In plain terms, a guiding light or signal, or figuratively, someone or something that inspires and guides others.

“Beacon” is pronounced BEE-kuhn (/ˈbiːkən/ in IPA).

Here is “beacon” used in a sentence: “The lighthouse beacon guided ships safely past the rocks.”

Depending on how it is used, “beacon” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “beacon” comes from Old English. From Old English "bēacn," meaning "sign" or "signal," related to the word "buoy.".

“Beacon” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Beacon” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a light, fire, or signal used to guide, warn, or mark a location.

A lighthouse is one specific type of beacon: a tall structure with a light used to warn or guide ships near a coastline. "Beacon" is the broader term and can refer to any light, fire, or signal used to guide, warn, or mark a location, including hilltop fires, radio beacons, and warning lights.

Figuratively, a "beacon" is a person or thing that serves as a guiding example or symbol of hope, such as a "beacon of hope" or "beacon of democracy." This use extends the literal idea of a guiding light to abstract qualities like inspiration or moral example.

Yes, though less commonly than the noun. As a verb, "beacon" means to send out light or a signal, as a beacon does, for example "the tower beaconed across the bay."