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Definition of lightbulb

lightbulb

/ˈlaɪt.bʌlb/
light · bulb
Plural:lightbulbs
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lightbulb Lexical Profile

lightbulb Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A rounded glass or plastic device that fits into a lamp or socket and produces artificial light when an electric current passes through a filament, gas, or light-emitting diode inside it.

Example

"She climbed onto a stepladder to replace the burned-out lightbulb in the kitchen ceiling."

2

A sudden realization, flash of inspiration, or clever idea, often used figuratively or depicted visually above a character's head.

Example

"A metaphorical lightbulb went off in his head as he finally figured out the solution to the software bug."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for lightbulb

• Nearby Words

liger
light
lightbox
lightbulb
lighten
lightener
lightening

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 19th century as a compound of 'light' (from Old English 'leoht') and 'bulb' (from Latin 'bulbus', referring to its rounded, onion-like shape).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Lightbulb. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/lightbulb
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