searchlight

American  

[surch-lahyt] / ˈsɜrtʃˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a device, usually consisting of a light lights and reflector, for throwing a beam of light lights in any direction.

2. a beam of light lights so thrown.

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searchlight British  

/ ˈsɜːtʃˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a device, consisting of a light source and a reflecting surface behind it, that projects a powerful beam of light in a particular direction

2. the beam of light produced by such a device

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Etymology

Origin of searchlight

First recorded in 1880–85; search + light ¹

Example Sentences

The helicopter was still a ways off, but they could see its searchlight cutting through the darkness, illuminating the falling snow.

From Literature

Ms. Kuin looks for Diogenes not with a lamp but a searchlight, straining to see his influence everywhere—even in places it is very hard to detect.

From The Wall Street Journal

At night, the crew trained a searchlight across the dark waters to look for growlers—low-floating chunks of ice big enough to puncture a ship.

From The Wall Street Journal

He struck a match on the bottom of his boot and circled it ’round the room like a tiny searchlight, revealing each person in turn.

From Literature

The boat’s searchlight swept across the empty black water.

From Literature

Related Words

• beacon
• flashlight
• kerosene lamp
• torch