pilot light
Americannoun
-
Also called pilot, pilot burner. a small flame kept burning continuously, as in a gas stove or furnace, to relight the main gas burners whenever necessary or desired.
noun
-
a small auxiliary flame that ignites the main burner of a gas appliance when the control valve opens
-
a small electric light used as an indicator
Etymology
Origin of pilot light
First recorded in 1885–90
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.
Checking and relighting a pilot light is something you can do yourself; SoCalGas suggests consulting the furnace owner’s manual or contacting the utility for assistance.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 10, 2023
The first few nights I wondered whether I’d walk downstairs and find Archie staring at the water heater pilot light or sitting at my laptop, transferring our savings into an offshore bank account.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 4, 2020
The basement floor — and water heater pilot light — are covered.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 10, 2019
A valve or line broke as a result, releasing propane that was ignited by a pilot light.
From Washington Times ● Apr. 25, 2019
I needed something that could hold a flame, some kind of pilot light.
From "The Martian" by Andy Weir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
