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

If you are walking or cycling at night or in low light conditions, wear reflective clothing or use a flashlight or headlamp to increase your visibility to other road users.

Read more on BBC

It's nearly 10:00 pm on Friday night, and a group of children shine their flashlights on the imposing skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex.

Read more on Barron's

The streetlights are off to conserve electricity, and residents walk along the sidewalk by flashlight, finding their way to the store or back home from work.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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