flashlight

American  

[flash-lahyt] / ˈflæʃˌlaɪt /

noun

1. especially British, torch.  a small, portable electric lamp powered by dry batteries, LEDs, or a tiny generator.

2. a light that flashes, such as a lighthouse beacon.

3. any source of artificial light as used in flash photography.

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flashlight British  

/ ˈflæʃˌlaɪt /

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): torch.  a small portable electric lamp powered by one or more dry batteries

2. Sometimes shortened to: flash.  photog the brief bright light emitted by an electronic flash unit

3. a light that flashes, used for signalling, in a lighthouse, etc

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Etymology

Origin of flashlight

First recorded in 1885–90; flash + light ¹

Example Sentences

In their free hands they carried heavy-duty flashlights.

From Literature

"I remember it! Every bit of the Morse code! Let me find a flashlight, and I'll show you!"

From Literature

Shortly after eleven o'clock, Jeremy tiptoed out of his room carrying the box, the scroll, the bag of teeth, and a flashlight.

From Literature

He peered into the dark while fumbling with the switch of a flashlight, which he shined into our faces.

From Literature

When Buzz took out his flashlight from his pack, it barely illuminated inches in front of him.

From Literature

Related Words

• fame
• light
• limelight
• notoriety
• public eye
• publicity