lightship

[ lahyt-ship ]

/ ˈlaɪtˌʃɪp /

Save This Word!

noun

a ship anchored in a specific location and displaying or flashing a very bright light for the guidance of ships, as in avoiding dangerous areas. Abbreviation: LS

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of lightship

First recorded in 1830–40; light¹ + ship¹

Words nearby lightship

light-rail, light reaction, lights, lightsaber, light-sensitive, lightship, light show, lightsome, lights out, light-struck, light table

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use lightship in a sentence

A few minutes later, a boat was seen to push off from the sloop and make for the lightship.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands|R.M. Ballantyne
Near the Sandy Hook Lightship we find the racers were under way, with whole mainsails and jackyarders set.
Yachting Vol. 2|Various.
Jimmy decided that he would come down on the water, which was very calm, and take a look at the lightship.
The Flying Reporter|Lewis E. (Lewis Edwin) Theiss
But the only bell in that direction would be on Hedge Fence Lightship in case her whistle has been disabled.
Blow The Man Down|Holman Day

There was a chilly wind blowing outside, and the lightship on the quicksand afar looked harassed and forlorn.
The Well-Beloved|Thomas Hardy

British Dictionary definitions for lightship

lightship

/ (ˈlaɪtˌʃɪp) /

noun

a ship equipped as a lighthouse and moored where a fixed structure would prove impracticable

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012