beacon

UK: /ˈbiːkən/ US: /ˈbikən/ ,(bē′kən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

bea•con /ˈbikən/  n. [countable]

1. a guiding signal, as a light, esp. one in a high position.
2. a tower used for such purposes.
3. Nautical, Naval Terms a lighthouse, signal buoy in the water, etc., to warn and guide vessels.
4. Naval Terms, Nautical
   • , Nautical, Naval Terms radio beacon.
   • a radio device sending out a signal as an aid to navigation.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

bea•con  (bē′kən), n. 

1. a guiding or warning signal, as a light or fire, esp. one in an elevated position.
2. a tower or hill used for such purposes.
3. Nautical, Naval Terms a lighthouse, signal buoy, etc., on a shore or at a dangerous area at sea to warn and guide vessels.
4. [Navig.]
   • Naval Terms See radio beacon. 
   • Nautical a radar device at a fixed location that, upon receiving a radar pulse, transmits a reply pulse that enables the original sender to determine his or her position relative to the fixed location.
5. a person, act, or thing that warns or guides.
6. a person or thing that illuminates or inspires:
   The Bible has been our beacon during this trouble.

v.t. 

7. to serve as a beacon to;
   warn or guide.
8. to furnish or mark with beacons:
   a ship assigned to beacon the shoals.

v.i. 

9. to serve or shine as a beacon:
   A steady light beaconed from the shore.

• bef. 950; Middle English beken, Old English bēacen sign, signal; cognate with Old Frisian bāken, Old Saxon bōkan, Old High German bouhhan

bea′con•less, adj. 
Synonyms

• 1. beam, buoy, pharos; signal fire; balefire.

Bea•con  (bē′kən), n. 

1. Place Names a city in SE New York. 12,937.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

beacon / ˈbiːkən/ noun

1. a signal fire or light on a hill, tower, etc, esp one used formerly as a warning of invasion
2. a hill on which such fires were lit
3. a lighthouse, signalling buoy, etc, used to warn or guide ships in dangerous waters
4. short for radio beacon
5. a radio or other signal marking a flight course in air navigation
6. short for Belisha beacon
7. a person or thing that serves as a guide, inspiration, or warning

Etymology: Old English beacen sign; related to Old Frisian bāken, Old Saxon bōcan, Old High German bouhhan