lightship

American  

[lahyt-ship] / ˈlaɪtˌʃɪp /

noun

1. 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. LS

---

lightship British  

/ ˈlaɪtˌʃɪp /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of lightship

First recorded in 1830–40; light ¹ + ship ¹

Example Sentences

It’s a lightship – a ship that acts as a lighthouse and marks the start of British waters.

From The Guardian

There would also be a “lightshow, lightship, diorama and films, freaks and funny things”, all of which would in some form probably have been part of this year’s Glastonbury festival if it was taking place.

From The Guardian

Hargreaves, originally from Lancashire, spent 16 years on lighthouses and lightships before taking voluntary redundancy in 1988 and becoming a security guard.

From The Guardian

Osh went straight to his easel, where he’d been working on a painting of Mouse curled up in a lightship basket, her tail hanging over the rim.

From Literature

The 24 passengers and crew of seven were all rescued by the lightship crew.

From Washington Post