light bulb

American  

noun

1. an electric light.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of light bulb

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

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

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

From Slate • Oct. 8, 2025

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

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2025

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 • Mar. 5, 2025

Generations of Volpe’s students had heard him say, “If all we had was a bare stage with one light bulb, we could still do theater.”

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove