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penlight

American  
[pen-lahyt] / ˈpɛnˌlaɪt /
Or penlite

noun

  1. a flashlight similar in size and shape to a fountain pen.


Etymology

Origin of penlight

First recorded in 1955–60; pen 1 + 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.

See Examples For:

Each sample has been split into two tubes the size of a penlight.

From Science Magazine Jul. 27, 2022

Thinking he might be able to fish it out, he wrapped a long cord to a penlight with a magnetic handle.

From New York Times Mar. 27, 2022

According to Daniel’s long-standing protocol, the waiter requests that you cut into your steak while she waits, then flashes a penlight on the interior so you can verify it is exactly the doneness you require.

From Seattle Times May 2, 2019

There were so many patients, Granada used a penlight and gauze to make tourniquets when the supplies ran out.

From Salon Jun. 23, 2018

He shone his own smaller penlight into her eyes, sighed, stood.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby

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