noun

lightbulb

LYT-buhlb

Lightbulb (noun) means a glass bulb that produces light when electricity passes through it. Example: “The lightbulb in the hallway burned out.”

noun

A glass bulb that produces light when electricity passes through it.

"The lightbulb in the hallway burned out."

"LED lightbulbs use far less energy than old incandescent ones."

How to use lightbulb

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe glass part of a lamp that glows to give off light.

Common pairings

change a lightbulb lightbulb moment energy-saving lightbulb

Word forms

lightbulbs plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ in the hallway burned out.

Etymology

A straightforward compound of light + bulb, describing the bulb-shaped glass housing that produces light.

Synonyms

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bulb light bulb electric light incandescent lamp electric-light bulb

Related words

bulb spore

Frequently asked questions

What does “lightbulb” mean?

The word “lightbulb” means a glass bulb that produces light when electricity passes through it. In plain terms, the glass part of a lamp that glows to give off light.

How do you pronounce “lightbulb”?

“Lightbulb” is pronounced LYT-buhlb (/ˈlaɪtˌbʌlb/ in IPA).

How do you use “lightbulb” in a sentence?

Here is “lightbulb” used in a sentence: “The lightbulb in the hallway burned out.”

What part of speech is “lightbulb”?

“Lightbulb” is a noun.

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