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

Etymology

Origin of light bulb

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

light bulb

"When I put the light switch on, I don't care how that electricity gets to my light bulb, I just want it to work," said Robert.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 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

In contrast, regulatory bodies like the FTC have been part of the federal government for longer than the light bulb.

From Slate ● Dec. 11, 2025

I sat outside, on a wooden bench beneath a yellow light bulb, waiting for it to open so I could go in and use the phone and have a cup of coffee.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt