floodlight

American  

[fluhd-lahyt] / ˈflʌdˌlaɪt /

noun

1. an artificial light so directed or diffused as to give a comparatively uniform illumination over a rather large given area.

2. a lamp or projector that produces such a light.

---

verb (used with object)

floodlighted, floodlit, floodlighting

1. to light up or illuminate with a floodlight.

floodlight British  

/ ˈflʌdˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a broad intense beam of artificial light, esp as used in the theatre or to illuminate the exterior of buildings

2. the lamp or source producing such light

---

verb

1. (tr) to illuminate by or as if by a floodlight

Etymology

Origin of floodlight

First recorded in 1920–25; flood + light ¹

Example Sentences

Janke, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix division, said that there were details about an Apple Watch and a floodlight, but declined to go into specifics.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

The task has been compared to photographing a thin cloud of cigarette smoke beside a blinding stadium floodlight from several kilometers away.

From Science Daily • Dec. 6, 2025

Grimes called the move "incoherent", pointing out gambling companies will still be able to occupy the players' sleeves, pitchside hoardings, stadium floodlight pylons and the airwaves between the action.

From BBC • May 22, 2023

“As part of these efforts, the earlier kickoff time will enable the club to discern whether significant savings can be made on floodlight usage and other energy costs.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 23, 2022

Although it might actually be the neighbor’s motion-activated floodlight.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle

Related Words

• brighten
• ignite
• kindle
• light up
• put on
• shine
• turn on