light bulb

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of light bulb

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

"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

“And once he said it, it just struck a light bulb into my brain like, ‘It’s about the process.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2026

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

A naked light bulb burned on a cord swinging from the ceiling, casting sharp shadows on the wall behind the mantelpiece, and in the corner where Calpurnia sat.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee