flashlight

noun flash·light \ ˈflash-ˌlīt \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of flashlight

1 a : a sudden bright artificial light used in taking photographic pictures

b : a photograph taken by such a light

2 : a small battery-operated portable electric light

See flashlight defined for English-language learners

See flashlight defined for kids

Recent Examples of flashlight from the Web

Then, the couple saw the rest of the Hart family walking on their property with flashlights and calling for Hannah.

— nina shapiro, The Seattle Times, "Who were the Harts, really? Mystery surrounds family that plunged off California cliff," 7 Apr. 2018
Residents should bring flashlights and wear blue and white to the event on McKean Avenue, between Baker and Presstman avenues.

— chris kaltenbach, baltimoresun.com, "A guide to Light City Baltimore's neighborhood festivities," 4 Apr. 2018
As the takeover of the intersection at Florin Road got underway, several protesters holding flashlights stood in the middle of the street and directed traffic away from the intersection, so as to minimize the inconvenience.

— chicagotribune.com, "Signs of progress emerge as Sacramento protests over Stephon Clark's killing remain tense," 2 Apr. 2018
As the takeover of the intersection at Florin Road got underway, several protesters holding flashlights stood in the middle of the street and directed traffic away from the intersection, so as to minimize the inconvenience.

— rob kuznia, Washington Post, "Signs of progress emerge as Sacramento protests over Stephon Clark’s killing remain tense," 1 Apr. 2018
Tensions quickly flared, Harris said, when López-Ramos' older brother, Elmer, shined a flashlight in his face.

— marc freeman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Judge denies 'stand your ground' claim in hate-crime murder case," 29 Mar. 2018
Rudolph had a long Maglite flashlight strapped to his body, which Postell thought was a gun.

— carol robinson, AL.com, "Birmingham abortion clinic bombing was 20 years ago today," 29 Jan. 2018
Either way, the Panthers did patrol parts of the city, walking along the seawall in Golden Gate Park, shining flashlights into men’s bathrooms, looking for anyone who might need help.

— eric markowitz, Newsweek, "The Most Dangerous Gay Man in America Fought Violence With Violence," 25 Jan. 2018
Investigators continued searching for evidence, circling the area around the truck and crouching to shine flashlights beneath the vehicle.

— laura mcknight, NOLA.com, "'This is New Orleans': Family mourns at scene of Algiers fatal shooting," 11 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flashlight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of flashlight

1886

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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FLASHLIGHT Defined for English Language Learners

flashlight

noun

Definition of flashlight for English Language Learners

: a small electric light that can be carried in your hand and that runs on batteries

FLASHLIGHT Defined for Kids

flashlight

noun flash·light \ ˈflash-ˌlīt \

Definition of flashlight for Students

: a small portable electric light that runs on batteries

Learn More about flashlight

See words that rhyme with flashlight Spanish Central: Translation of flashlight Nglish: Translation of flashlight for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of flashlight for Arabic speakers

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flashlight

Definition of flashlight

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First Known Use of flashlight

FLASHLIGHT Defined for English Language Learners

flashlight

Definition of flashlight for English Language Learners

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flashlight

Definition of flashlight for Students

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flashlight

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