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lightbulb. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
lightbulb, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
lightbulb in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
lightbulb you have here. The definition of the word
lightbulb will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
lightbulb, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology 1
Noun
lightbulb (plural lightbulbs)
- Alternative spelling of light bulb
2003 July 6, Edward Tenner, “'Our Own Devices'”, in The New York Times:A young orangutan in the San Diego Zoo became famous for unbolting the screening of his crib, removing the wires, and moving through the zoo nursery, unscrewing lightbulbs.
Etymology 2
Calque from Cantonese 電燈泡／电灯泡 (din6 dang1 paau1), as though the third person is a light bulb in the background.
Pronunciation
Noun
lightbulb (plural lightbulbs)
- (Singapore, colloquial) An uninvited third person joining a couple's date who prevents or hinders romantic interactions.
2011 October 23, Heidy The Traveler, Learn Singlish a Bit!:You two go ahead lah, I don't want to be lightbulb.
2014 August 3, Chris Soh, 20 Words That Mean Something Completely Different to Singaporeans:When she finally came out her friend joined us. Damn lightbulb leh!
- 2014, carolcraves, "", Twitter, 31 January 2014:
- Being an extra big light bulb and eating with two cousins and their husband and fiance.
Synonyms