Lightship: meaning, definitions and examples

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lightship

 

[ ˈlaɪtʃɪp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

nautical vessel

A lightship is a type of vessel that is equipped with a light to mark a specific location in navigable waters. Unlike a lighthouse, which is fixed to land, a lightship can be moved to different locations as needed to ensure maritime safety. They are often used in areas where a lighthouse is impractical or where the seabed is too deep for a traditional lighthouse.

Synonyms

beacon ship, floating lighthouse.

Examples of usage

  • The lightship guided the sailors safely through the fog.
  • They spotted a lightship on the horizon, indicating nearby shallows.
  • Historically, lightships were crucial for navigation during storms.

Translations

Translations of the word "lightship" in other languages:

🇵🇹 barco farolete

🇮🇳 रोशनी जहाज

🇩🇪 Lichtschniff

🇮🇩 kapal lampu

🇺🇦 світловий корабель

🇵🇱 statek świetlny

🇯🇵 灯船

🇫🇷 navire phare

🇪🇸 buque faro

🇹🇷 ışık gemisi

🇰🇷 등대선

🇸🇦 سفينة ضوء

🇨🇿 světelná loď

🇸🇰 svetelná loď

🇨🇳 灯船

🇸🇮 svetlobna ladja

🇮🇸 ljósskip

🇰🇿 жарық кемесі

🇬🇪 ნათლის გემი

🇦🇿 işıq gəmisi

🇲🇽 buque faro

Etymology

The term 'lightship' originates from the combination of two words: 'light' and 'ship.' The use of ships equipped with lights for navigation can be traced back to the 17th century. These vessels served as floating markers in the maritime landscape, particularly in areas where lighthouses were either impractical or non-existent. Lightships were especially prevalent in the coastal waters of Europe and North America, where they played a vital role in guiding ships safely through treacherous waters. As maritime technology and navigation improved, the use of lightships decreased, but they remain an important part of maritime history and are still in use in some areas today.