beacon Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a fire (usually on a hill or tower) that can be seen from a distance
    beacon fire.
  2. noun a radio station that broadcasts a directional signal for navigational purposes
    radio beacon.
  3. noun a tower with a light that gives warning of shoals to passing ships
    pharos; lighthouse; beacon light.
  4. verb shine like a beacon
  5. verb guide with a beacon

WordNet

Bea"con noun
Etymology
OE. bekene, AS. beácen, bcen; akin to OS. bkan, Fries. baken, beken, sign, signal, D. baak, OHG. bouhhan, G. bake; of unknown origin. Cf. Beckon.
Definitions
  1. A signal fire to notify of the approach of an enemy, or to give any notice, commonly of warning.
    No flaming beacons cast their blaze afar. Gay.
  2. A signal or conspicuous mark erected on an eminence near the shore, or moored in shoal water, as a guide to mariners.
  3. A high hill near the shore. Prov. Eng.
  4. That which gives notice of danger.
    Modest doubt is called The beacon of the wise. Shak.
Bea"con transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Beaconed (); present participle & verbal noun Beaconing
Definitions
  1. To give light to, as a beacon; to light up; to illumine.
    That beacons the darkness of heaven. Campbell.
  2. To furnish with a beacon or beacons.

Webster 1913