flashlight

[flash-lahyt]

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.

flashlight

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flashlight¹

First recorded in 1885–90; flash + light ¹

Example Sentences

That night, standing with Amy in a dark, abandoned prison, I felt my heart race and I wiped my sweaty palms again and again on my shirt to keep the grip on my flashlight.

From Salon

The department shared photos of a semiautomatic handgun with a wrapped grip and attached flashlight that authorities say belonged to the suspect, who has not been identified.

From Los Angeles Times

Johnny, the youngest and most literally hotheaded of the group, is apt to light himself on fire when he can’t be bothered to find a flashlight.

From Los Angeles Times

We brought flashlights to hunt for fossils in the limestone beds, though mostly we just wandered.

From Salon

When the Hoffmans opened the door, Mr Boelter shined a flashlight at the couple.

From BBC

Related Words

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