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
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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.
It was like someone lit the pilot light.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2025
A bugler ignited the pilot light of pride in all of us, heads bowed everywhere and the pit lane swelled with the memories of friends, fathers, brothers and sisters lost.
From New York Times ● Dec. 12, 2021
If you have a gas unit, Bottem says relighting the pilot light — if you feel comfortable doing this — often solves the problem.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 18, 2021
The basement floor — and water heater pilot light — are covered.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 10, 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.
