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

Example Sentences

One of the property’s residents told Pittsburgh ABC affiliate WTAE-TV that the victim was trying to turn on the pilot light on a furnace in the guest house when the building burst.

From Washington Times

Yulman’s modules sat on small tables, rhythmically sparking like little pilot lights and pulsing against small drums in conversation with their human counterparts.

From Washington Post

Checking and relighting a pilot light is something you can do yourself; SoCalGas suggests consulting the furnace owner’s manual or contacting the utility for assistance.

From Los Angeles Times

“The pilot light got ignited by ‘In Bruges.’”

From Seattle Times

As it had hundreds of times before in hundreds of previous matches, her opponent’s nerve lit Williams’s pilot light.

From Washington Post