dome light

American  

Or domelight

noun

1. a small light under the roof of an automobile or boat.

2. a flashing light on the roof of an emergency vehicle, as a police car or ambulance.

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Etymology

Origin of dome light

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The body camera footage begins with officers approaching Moses’ car, which was parked on the street with the transmission engaged, engine running and dome light on.

From Seattle Times

Jim Beidle, who has been performing as Santa for eight years, started making video calls to children from his Arlington home, where he boosted his internet connection, set up a dome light and donned a puffy shirt and vest so he wouldn’t overheat.

From Seattle Times

They said the victim saw the dome light on inside his Chevrolet Camero and two men rummaging through the car.

From Fox News

Even in its black plastic container, even with the poor illumination of my car’s dome light, this dish commanded attention, its invitation impossible to ignore.

From Washington Post

He disabled the dome light, removed a cord that allowed the trunk to be opened from inside and coasted down the Closs driveway with his lights off just before 1 a.m.

From Washington Times