light bulb

American  

noun

• light bulbs
  plural

1. an electric light.

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light bulb British  

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• light bulbs
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of light bulb

First recorded in 1880–85

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

light bulb

“It was like a light bulb went off,” said Ansolabehere.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

Earlier this year, when Vivienne came across a video on social media explaining the symptoms of Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, it was like a light bulb switching on.

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026

Among the answers: a small ink-stained mahogany desk, an antique light bulb, a brown leather flight suit and a baseball jersey.

From Barron's ● May 29, 2026

"The filters would be very good insulation, and someone had a light bulb moment and probably bought this as scrap off their manager," he said.

From BBC ● Mar. 25, 2026

The head moved from side to side in the pale glow of the light bulb, as though denying some insistent voice which I could not hear.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

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