# beam

/ˈbim/ (US) · /bˈiːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beam
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a line of light

noun · CEFR B1

a long, thin line of light coming from a source like the sun, a lamp, or a flashlight.

For teachers: a concentrated stream of electromagnetic radiation or light particles travelling in a specific direction.

- The beam from his flashlight cut through the dark woods.
- A narrow beam of sunlight filtered through the high cathedral windows, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air.

### 2. structural support

noun · CEFR B2

a long, thick piece of wood, metal, or concrete used to support the weight of a building or bridge.

For teachers: a primary horizontal structural member designed to span an opening and carry a load.

- The workers lifted the steel beam into place to support the new roof.
- The renovation revealed original oak beams that had supported the ceiling for over three centuries.

### 3. a wide smile

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a very big, happy, and bright smile.

For teachers: a radiant or expansive facial expression indicating intense satisfaction or joy.

- She had a huge beam on her face when she saw her surprise gift.
- The winner stood on the podium with a triumphant beam that reflected her immense relief and pride.

### 4. width of a ship

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the width of a ship at its widest point.

For teachers: the maximum breadth of a vessel; also used to describe a direction perpendicular to the ship's centerline.

- The new cruise ship has a beam of over forty metres.
- The vessel's wide beam provides excellent stability in rough seas but limits the number of ports it can enter.

### 5. to smile happily

verb · CEFR B2

to smile very happily or proudly at someone.

For teachers: to express great joy or pride through a radiant facial expression; often takes the preposition 'at'.

- The proud parents beamed at their daughter during the graduation ceremony.
- The director beamed with satisfaction as the audience rose for a standing ovation at the end of the premiere.

### 6. to broadcast

verb · CEFR B2

to send out light, heat, or a radio or television signal.

For teachers: to transmit a signal, programme, or energy in a specific direction via radio waves or light.

- The satellite beams television signals to millions of homes around the world.
- Live footage of the event was beamed across the globe via a high-speed satellite link.

## Examples

- A beam of light shines through the window.
- The old barn was supported by heavy wooden beams across the ceiling.
- A single beam of moonlight illuminated the dust motes dancing in the otherwise silent, cavernous hall.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.