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dome light

American  
Or domelight

noun

  1. a small light under the roof of an automobile or boat.

  2. a flashing light on the roof of an emergency vehicle, as a police car or ambulance.


Etymology

Origin of dome light

First recorded in 1955–60

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.

Footage from the officers’ body cameras shows the officers found Moses unconscious in the driver’s seat of a rental car, which was parked with the transmission engaged, engine running and dome light on.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2023

He would stop by the Whaleys’ home when he saw a dome light left on in a car.

From Washington Post • Feb. 2, 2023

Be visible for rescuers by turning on the dome light at night or tying a bright-colored cloth – preferably red – to your antenna or door.

From Fox News • Oct. 26, 2021

The dome light goes off, the engine comes on.

From Golf Digest • Feb. 15, 2018

Beneath the dome, light fell in a chalky beam.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

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