light bulb

noun

variants or lightbulb
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
c
: one using LEDs to generate light

Illustration of light bulb

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
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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 See all Example Sentences for light bulb 

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of light bulb was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near light bulb

Cite this Entry

“Light bulb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light%20bulb. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lightbulb

noun
light·​bulb ˈlīt-ˌbəlb How to pronounce lightbulb (audio)
: an electric lamp: as
a
: one in which a filament gives off light when heated by an electric current

called also incandescent lamp

More from Merriam-Webster on light bulb

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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