bea ‧ con /ˈbiːkən/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: beacen 'sign' ]
1 . a light that is put somewhere to warn or guide people, ships, vehicles, or aircraft
2 . a radio or ↑ radar signal used by aircraft or boats to help them find their position and direction
3 . especially literary a person, idea etc that guides or encourages you
beacon of
The education program offers a beacon of hope to these children.
4 . a fire on top of a hill used in the past as a signal
⇨ ↑ Belisha beacon