noun
Uncommon
lighthouse
LYT-hows
Lighthouse (noun) means a tower with a powerful light at the top, built to warn or guide ships near dangerous coastlines. Example: “The lighthouse beam swept across the bay every ten seconds.”
noun
1
A tower with a powerful light at the top, built to warn or guide ships near dangerous coastlines.
"In the history of lighthouses, English civil engineer John Smeaton made a significant contribution to the design of them."
"The lighthouse beam swept across the bay every ten seconds."
"Sailors relied on the lighthouse to avoid the rocks."
How to use lighthouse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tall tower with a bright light that warns ships of danger near the coast.
Common pairings
lighthouse keeper
the lighthouse beam
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Word forms
- Plural
- lighthouses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ beam swept across the bay every ten seconds.
Etymology
A transparent compound of light + house, naming a structure built to house a warning light.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for lighthouse
See all rhymes for lighthouse →Frequently asked questions
What does “lighthouse” mean?
The word “lighthouse” means a tower with a powerful light at the top, built to warn or guide ships near dangerous coastlines. In plain terms, a tall tower with a bright light that warns ships of danger near the coast.
How do you pronounce “lighthouse”?
“Lighthouse” is pronounced LYT-hows (/ˈlaɪthaʊs/ in IPA).
How do you use “lighthouse” in a sentence?
Here is “lighthouse” used in a sentence: “The lighthouse beam swept across the bay every ten seconds.”
What part of speech is “lighthouse”?
“Lighthouse” is a noun.
Is “lighthouse” a common word?
“Lighthouse” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a lighthouse and a beacon?
A lighthouse is specifically a tower built near dangerous coastlines with a powerful light to warn or guide ships. A beacon is a broader term for any signal, light, or marker used for guidance or warning, which can include a lighthouse but also covers many other kinds of signals, including non-nautical ones.
Why are lighthouses built near dangerous coastlines?
Lighthouses are built near dangerous coastlines specifically to warn ships of hazards like rocks or shallow waters and to help guide them safely, using a powerful light visible from a distance at the top of the tower.
Is lighthouse used only literally, or also figuratively?
While a lighthouse literally refers to the tower and light used to guide ships, the word is also used figuratively to describe a person, place, or idea that provides guidance or a sense of direction and safety in a difficult situation.
