flashlight

noun

flash·​light ˈflash-ˌlīt How to pronounce flashlight (audio)
1
: a small battery-operated portable electric light
2
a
: a sudden bright artificial light used in taking photographic pictures
b
: a photograph taken by such a light

Examples of flashlight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Officers pursued, finding a ballistic vest, handgun magazines, a flashlight, face mask and Beretta 92 9mm pistol along the way. Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 20 June 2025 The suspect in the case, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, was dressed like a cop, complete with a black tactical vest, and carried a flashlight as an officer would do, according to an affidavit filed in federal court and written by special agent Terry Getsch of the FBI. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 18 June 2025 The man, who did not have a flashlight or headlamp, sustained only minor injuries after the park’s search and rescue team performed a high-angle rescue. Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 18 June 2025 The man – who was not carrying a flashlight or headlamp – was pulled to safety in a high-angle rescue by officials rappelling down the cliff and only suffered minor facial injuries, according to the park. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for flashlight

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of flashlight was in 1886

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Cite this Entry

“Flashlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flashlight. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

flashlight

noun
flash·​light ˈflash-ˌlīt How to pronounce flashlight (audio)
: a small battery-operated portable electric light

More from Merriam-Webster on flashlight

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