lightship
nounEtymology From light (noun) + ship (noun). Cognate with Middle Low German lüchteschip (“lightship”), Dutch lichtschip (“lightship”).
1
Nautical, Transport A ship riding at anchor and displaying a light for the guidance of sailors, in a position where a fixed lighthouse structure would be impracticable.
- Near-synonyms: lightvessel (usually synonymous), lightboat
- Related terms
- lighter