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

Johnny, the youngest and most literally hotheaded of the group, is apt to light himself on fire when he can’t be bothered to find a flashlight.

From Los Angeles Times

We brought flashlights to hunt for fossils in the limestone beds, though mostly we just wandered.

From Salon

When the Hoffmans opened the door, Mr Boelter shined a flashlight at the couple.

From BBC

A stray orange cat; a séance in a hostel; a “nearsighted galoot” who decodes cryptic messages from Radio Pyongyang; flashlights that aren’t just flashlights — these bread crumbs guide us to the novel’s denouement.

From Los Angeles Times

They picked them up from school, held the flashlight while I checked for lice, assisted them with math homework and attended their school performances.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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