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

“I love watching the light bulb go off, watching them be inspired,” Gill said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I think it’s just cool to see how people’s brains work and what makes the light bulb go off at certain moments.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The 17 rare earths are found in a wide variety of everyday and high-tech devices, from light bulbs to guided missiles.

Read more on Barron's

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times