Lighthouse
/ˈlaɪt.haʊs/noun
A tower or structure containing a powerful light to guide ships at sea.
Did you know?The word is a straightforward English compound, but the concept became so powerful that “light” in navigation turned into a symbol of guidance, warning, and safe passage across cultures.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
lēoht
“light, brightness”
Old English
OE
hūs
“house, dwelling, shelter”
Middle English
ME
light hous
“a house or tower containing a light”
16th Century
English
lighthous
“a structure with a light used to guide ships”
Modern English
English
lighthouse
“a tower or structure containing a powerful light to guide ships at sea”