flashlight

American  

[flash-lahyt] / ˈflæʃˌlaɪt /

noun

1. especially British, torch.  a small, portable electric lamp powered by dry batteries, LEDs, or a tiny generator.

2. a light that flashes, such as a lighthouse beacon.

3. any source of artificial light as used in flash photography.

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flashlight British  

/ ˈflæʃˌlaɪt /

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): torch.  a small portable electric lamp powered by one or more dry batteries

2. Sometimes shortened to: flash.  photog the brief bright light emitted by an electronic flash unit

3. a light that flashes, used for signalling, in a lighthouse, etc

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Etymology

Origin of flashlight

First recorded in 1885–90; flash + light ¹

Example Sentences

When a gust yanks the handle out of her grasp, she decides to batten down the hatches, latching it behind her and inspecting her surroundings via phone flashlight.

From Literature

A flashlight sweeps back and forth over the lake before it pins me with its glare.

From Literature

So do not feel too guilty about wielding that flashlight beneath your covers.

From Literature

He has a notebook, a pen, a flashlight and about 15 hours’ worth of oxygen.

From The Wall Street Journal

As night fell, Havana's streets were mostly pitch black, with people navigating using phone lights or flashlights, just five days after the previous blackout.

From Barron's

Related Words

• fame
• light
• limelight
• notoriety
• public eye
• publicity