pilot light

noun

1. 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.
2. pilot lamp.

pilot light

noun

1. a small auxiliary flame that ignites the main burner of a gas appliance when the control valve opens
2. a small electric light used as an indicator

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilot light¹

First recorded in 1885–90