Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tower with a light that gives warning of shoals to passing ships: A "beacon light" is a fixed, prominent light, often housed in a tower or structure, used as a navigational signal to warn mariners of hazards like shallow waters (shoals), coastlines, or to mark safe channels.

Usage

• The term "beacon light" is used specifically in maritime contexts to describe a type of navigational aid. It is a physical structure emitting a steady or flashing light visible from a distance at sea.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old lighthouse served as a vital beacon light for ships navigating the treacherous coast.
  • Sailors looked for the beacon light to avoid the dangerous shoals.

Advanced Usage

• "To serve as a beacon light": Used metaphorically to mean to act as a guiding principle or a source of inspiration and hope.
  • Her courage served as a beacon light for others facing similar adversity.

Variants and Related Words

• Beacon (n): A more general term for a fire or light set up in a high or prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration. A "beacon light" is a specific type of beacon.
  • The hilltop beacon was lit to warn of invasion.
• Lighthouse (n): A tower or other structure containing a beacon light to warn or guide ships at sea. Often used synonymously with "beacon light" in the context of a building.
  • They visited the historic lighthouse.

Synonyms

• Navigational light: A light serving as an aid to navigation.
• Pharos (n, literary): A lighthouse or beacon to guide sailors.

Related Phrases

• Beacon of hope: A metaphorical phrase meaning a source of hope.
  • The successful rescue operation was a beacon of hope for the community.

Noun

1. a tower with a light that gives warning of shoals to passing ships