floodlight

[ fluhd-lahyt ]

noun

1. an artificial light so directed or diffused as to give a comparatively uniform illumination over a rather large given area.
2. a lamp or projector that produces such a light.

verb (used with object)

, flood·light·ed or flood·lit, flood·light·ing.

1. to light up or illuminate with a floodlight.

floodlight

/ ˈflʌdˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a broad intense beam of artificial light, esp as used in the theatre or to illuminate the exterior of buildings
2. the lamp or source producing such light

verb

1. tr to illuminate by or as if by a floodlight

Word History and Origins

Origin of floodlight¹

First recorded in 1920–25; flood + light ¹

Example Sentences

Rewind three weeks and Duran was the goal hero against Bayern Munich, coming off the bench to score the only goal of the game on a special night under the Villa Park floodlights.

From BBC

Scotland winning 2–0 when the floodlights fail or the heavens open or a plague of angry birds descend forcing the players to flee.

From BBC

The grey sky refused to brighten, the floodlights were on all day and there was a lengthy delay for bad light and rain, yet Sri Lanka were incapable of taking advantage.

From BBC

The sky was dark, the floodlights on and England’s lead 99 when Brook joined his Yorkshire team-mate Root.

From BBC

There was a separate area where older people slept on thin mattresses under floodlights, and a putrid smell hung in the air, he said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• brighten
• ignite
• kindle
• light up
• put on
• shine
• turn on