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.
The headset requires a base station (also known as a lighthouse) in order to track, and those are unfortunately no longer available via Valve. — Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, 14 Oct. 2026 Elma follows police detective Elma (Unnur Birna Backman), who returns to her hometown having fled a romantic affair that left her in pieces, and is assigned to the local force as a woman’s body is found lying at the foot of a lighthouse. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026 The beach where Driscoll was found, Split Rock River Wayside Rest, is located about 3 miles southwest of the lighthouse. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Of the more than 40 lighthouses along the coastline of Quebec, many of them are in Gaspésie. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Lighthouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighthouse. Accessed 20 Oct. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on lighthouse

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lighthouse

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lighthouse

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