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

Zhou and Loth continued to make improvements to the stove, adding a pilot light and making the stove more powerful and suitable for home backyard cooking.

From Outside Online

All the families who tend that pilot light with love and tenacity.

From Time

We can use a ground-service cable; rig a pilot light on it, and kick it out, as soon as they get in close.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the functions of a pilot light is to prevent people from being burnt in case of an explosion in the oven.

From Project Gutenberg

“I saw a man putting in a little pilot light for the oven, to-day,” said Mrs. Morton.

From Project Gutenberg

Most stoves are constructed so that there is a pilot light for the oven.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes when the gas pressure is low, the pilot light will go out.

From Project Gutenberg