lighthouse

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'lighthouse' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a structure that serves as an aid to navigation or guide ships and boats, warning them of potential danger due to shallow water or rocks. Example Sentence: On our boat trip around the coast, we passed a beautiful lighthouse standing tall on the headland.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What to do The heart and soul of the town is the Royal harbour complete with obelisk, Georgian lighthouse, lifeboat station and yacht marina.

The Guardian - Travel

Besides the beach, Dueodde has Scandinavia's highest lighthouse, two German bunkers, and a much-loved ice-cream parlour, Bornholm Softice, but not much else.

The Guardian - Travel

On an earlier run, taking in views of the Mumbai Sea Link suspension bridge, and the lighthouse marking a western entry point to the city, we see a lone figure in a jute hat on a rowboat.

The Guardian

Am Buachaille, a rocky sea stack, stood guard-like to one side, the giant grey slabs which cut into the sea were bathed in frothing waves, and the dim glow of the Cape Wrath lighthouse sent out a muted white beam beyond the cliffs to my right.

The Guardian - Travel

"We were a lighthouse," says Ismet Dedeić of the Bosniak party Union for a Better Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Guardian

From the Gateway to the White Cliffs visitor centre, walk along the coastal path toward South Foreland lighthouse.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

From Belongil's rugged, vast golden strip and the location of a former whaling station, to the tiny cove of Wategos where the famous walk up the cliff to the lighthouse begins, each beach has a distinct charm.

The Guardian - Travel

This dramatic cape looks out over the Atlantic and the Strait of Magellan – the Estancia Monte Dinero is open to visitors and runs the cosy Al Fin y Al Cabo cafe-bar at the foot of the lighthouse, with sweeping views over the ocean.

The Guardian - Travel

The site feels very far away and looks out towards the lonely Bishop Rock lighthouse (2), the sinister Western Rocks and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

The Guardian - Travel

He's talking about Lighthouse, the Gary Barlow-penned single that crawled to No 33, and gave Westlife their worst-ever chart position, at the end of 2011.

The Guardian - Music

He can over-interpret baffingly, but he can be acutely perceptive (take for example, his discussion of absent-mindedness and the unconscious in "To the Lighthouse").

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lighthouse" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly relates to guidance, safety, or serving as a point of reference.

Common error

Avoid using "lighthouse" when the intended meaning is simply 'inspiration' without the element of guidance through potential danger or darkness.

Linguistic Context

The word "lighthouse" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a structure designed to emit light as a navigational aid. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

The Economist

28%

The Guardian

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "lighthouse" is a noun that commonly refers to a tower with a light used to guide ships, Ludwig confirms. It's frequently used in News & Media and maintains a neutral formality level. The phrase also extends to a metaphorical use describing anything that offers guidance, hope, or a point of reference. When writing, ensure that if you are using "lighthouse" metaphorically the context is related to guidance or safety; also, instead of "lighthouse", you can use "beacon", "pharos", and "guiding light".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beacon

A simpler term referring to a guiding or warning light or signal.

light tower

Describes the structure of the lighthouse.

coastal beacon

Highlights the coastal location of the lighthouse

marine beacon

Beacon used in the sea.

pharos

An archaic term for a lighthouse, carrying historical significance.

navigation aid

Describes the function of a lighthouse in broader terms.

harbor light

Specifically emphasizes lighthouses located at harbors.

guiding light

Metaphorical expression for something that provides direction or hope.

navigational landmark

Emphasizes the lighthouse serving as a recognizable geographical feature.

warning signal

Focuses on the lighthouse's role in providing alerts.

FAQs

How can I use "lighthouse" in a sentence?

You can use "lighthouse" to refer to a physical structure that guides ships or metaphorically to represent something that offers guidance or hope. For example: "The "lighthouse" warned ships of the dangerous rocks" or "She was a "lighthouse" in my life during a difficult time".

What are some synonyms for "lighthouse"?

Synonyms for "lighthouse" include "beacon", "pharos", and "guiding light". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "lighthouse" in formal writing?

Yes, "lighthouse" is appropriate for formal writing when used in its literal sense or when the metaphorical usage is clear and relevant. However, avoid overly poetic or figurative language in strictly formal contexts.

What is the difference between a "lighthouse" and a "beacon"?

While often used interchangeably, a "lighthouse" is specifically a tower with a light designed to guide ships, whereas a "beacon" can be any type of signal used for guidance or warning, including fires or radio signals. So, a lighthouse is a type of beacon.