Definition of lighthouse Lighthouse

/lajˈthawˌs/ - [laytaws] - light•house

We found 7 definitions of lighthouse from 7 different sources.

What does lighthouse mean?

Noun
lighthouse - a tower with a light that gives warning of shoals to passing ships
		beacon, beacon light, pharos
		tower a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

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lighthouse (Noun)
A building, usually a tower, containing a light to warn or guide ships.

lighthouse (n.)
A tower or other building with a powerful light at top, erected at the entrance of a port, or at some important point on a coast, to serve as a guide to mariners at night; a pharos.

lighthouse
A sort of tower, erected upon a headland, islet, or rock, whose lights may be seen at a great distance from the land to warn shipping of their approach to these dangers.--A floating light, or light vessel, strongly moored, is used to mark dangers under water. Lights are variously distinguished, as by the number, colour, and continuity of their lights, whether flashing, revolving, &c.

A lighthouse is a tall house that has a light placed near the top. Lighthouses are built on the coast of an ocean or lake. The lighthouse is meant to protect ships from crashing into shore by sending the light out towards the sea. The light usually turns in a circle so that ships see a flashing light. The light is usually covered by a Fresnel lens. This lens enables the light to travel a far distance.

One of the most famous lghthouses was the Lighthouse of Alexandria. It was located on an island near the coast. That Island was called "Pharos". Even today, many languages use a word that comes from the name of the island, to stand for a lighthouse.

Almost all lighthouses are automatic now.