high beam

or highbeam

noun

1. an automobile headlight beam providing bright, long-range illumination of a darkened road and chiefly for use in driving in nonurban areas.

Word History and Origins

Origin of high beam¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

He told her to put on the high beams because the area is pitch black at night, devoid of street lights or visible landmarks.

From Los Angeles Times

They say not to use high beams in fog.

From Los Angeles Times

Have you not noticed the number of cars flashing their high beams at you?

From Seattle Times

Casting a harsh high beam on a growing societal problem, swaddled in mental-health resources and caveats, it doesn’t so much illuminate as irradiate.

From New York Times

The traffic ticket — for improper use of his high beams — didn’t carry any points.

From Washington Post