(count)
1 : a strong light that can be seen from far away and that is used to help guide ships, airplanes, etc.
2 : a radio signal that is broadcast to help guide ships, airplanes, etc.
a radio beacon
3 : someone or something (such as a country) that guides or gives hope to others
These countries are beacons of democracy.
Our nation should be a beacon of/for peace to people around the world.
This new medicine is a beacon of hope for/to thousands of people. (=this new medicine gives hope to thousands of people)
4 : in the past : a fire built on a hill and used as a signal