pilot light

noun

1
: a small permanent flame used to ignite gas at a burner
2
: an indicator light showing where a switch or circuit breaker is located or whether a motor is in operation or power is on

called also pilot lamp

Examples of pilot light in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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A lot of the show has a low-to-medium simmer that feels appropriate for an firebrand of 85 whose pilot light is going strong but who isn’t worried about acting like a 30-year-old rocker, either. Chris Willman, Variety, 21 June 2026 The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the burner to heat the water in the tank. Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 21 Apr. 2026 Open the access panel and search the burner chamber using a flashlight to locate the pilot light tube. Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 28 Jan. 2026 Except there was a pilot light. Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pilot light

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pilot light was in 1881

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Cite this Entry

“Pilot light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pilot%20light. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

pilot light

noun
: a small permanent flame used to ignite gas at a burner

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