light bulb

noun

1. an electric light.

light bulb

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: bulb. a glass bulb containing a gas, such as argon or nitrogen, at low pressure and enclosing a thin metal filament that emits light when an electric current is passed through it

Word History and Origins

Origin of light bulb¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

“That’s when the light bulb went off for me. Why not bring some of these beautiful plants from the hills into our yard?”

From Los Angeles Times

Call it maturity, call it confidence, call it the light bulb going on.

From Los Angeles Times

But it was a light bulb moment with the swing that made the most profound change.

From Los Angeles Times

At home he shares one light bulb between the two rooms that make up the small house.

From BBC

They had to constantly clean the house and change every light bulb in the home to bright white for filming purposes, she said.

From Los Angeles Times