noun A signal fire to notify of the approach of an enemy, or to give any notice, commonly of warning.
noun A signal, buoy, post, or other conspicuous mark erected on an eminence near the shore, or moored in shoal water, as a guide to mariners, particularly to warn vessels of danger.
noun A high hill or other easily distinguishable object near the shore which can serve as guidance for seafarers.
noun That which gives notice of danger, hope, etc., or keeps people on the correct path; a source of inspiration.
a beacon of hope
noun An electronic device that broadcasts a signal to nearby portable devices, enabling smartphones etc. to perform actions when in physical proximity to the beacon.
noun Ellipsis of web beacon.
verb To act as a beacon.
verb To give light to, as a beacon; to light up; to illumine.