26984 words

beacon

5 definitions • 8 examples
1
a light or fire in a place that is easy to see, such as on the top of a hill, that acts as a warning or signal:

Examples:

As part of the centenary celebrations a chain of beacons was lit across the region.
The tower had a flashing beacon that people could see from miles away.
2
a device that sends out a radio signal to show the position of something such as a ship, aircraft, etc.:

Examples:

A plane's transponder is a beacon that transmits an identifying code.
Planes fly along air corridors marked by ground-based radio beacons.
3
a good example that gives people hope or encouragement:

Examples:

She was a beacon of hope in troubled times.
He said Britain could become a beacon to the rest of the world.
4
a light that acts as a signal or warning:

Examples:

fig. a beacon of hope
5
A beacon is also a device that sends a signal or information:

Examples:

a radar/navigation beacon

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