light bulb

noun

variants or lightbulb

ˈlīt-ˌbəlb 

plural light bulbs or lightbulbs

: an electric lamp: such as

a

: one in which a filament gives off light when heated to incandescence by an electric current

called also incandescent, incandescent lamp

b

: one having a coating of fluorescent material on its inner surface that emits visible light : fluorescent lamp

especially : compact fluorescent light

c

: one using LEDs to generate light

Illustration of light bulb

• 1 bulb containing gas
• 2 filament
• 3 connecting and supporting wires
• 4 exhaust tube
• 5 screw base
• 6 base contact

Examples of light bulb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Trillions of data points are produced by everyday devices, such as smart home security systems, light bulbs and thermostats—and new devices are being released all the time. —Mark Mahle, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Changing your recessed light bulbs may become a professional task as well. —Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024

The light bulb has turned on for Crown Point senior Josh Miller. —Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2024

Don’t put decorations near open flames or other heat sources, such as light bulbs and heaters. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lightbulb

noun

light·​bulb ˈlīt-ˌbəlb 

: an electric lamp: as

a

: one in which a filament gives off light when heated by an electric current

called also incandescent lamp

b

: fluorescent lamp