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

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

His most recent apartment inspection failed because the light bulb in the fridge was out.

From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2025

I can practically see the cartoon light bulb over her head as she speaks.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed