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headlight

American  
[hed-lahyt] / ˈhɛdˌlaɪt /

noun

  1. a light lights or lamp, usually equipped with a reflector, on the front of an automobile, locomotive, etc.

headlight British  
/ ˈhɛdˌlaɪt /

noun

  1. a powerful light, equipped with a reflector and attached to the front of a motor vehicle, locomotive, etc See also quartz-iodine lamp

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of headlight

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; head + light 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Experts believe a number of factors can cause headlight dazzle.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

It's an issue that has even reached the United Nations - it will mandate all new cars to automatically adjust their headlight levels.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

Additionally, please take good care to notice signage regarding segments of the highway where daytime headlight use is required.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2025

Early this year, Rivian recalled 17,260 vehicles in the U.S. over a headlight issue that could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

As evening fell, we hung out on a median strip, counting padiddles—cars with one headlight burnt out.

From "Landscape with Invisible Hand" by M.T. Anderson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.