flashlight

noun

flash·​light ˈflash-ˌlīt 

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

Swipe down for a quick menu of common features, including airplane mode, the flashlight, settings, and the water lock. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

To avoid similar situations, it is advised to download maps, bring flashlights, pack water and food and call for help right away if you do get lost. — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Let your eyes adjust to the dark (which takes about 20 minutes), then preserve your night vision by using a red flashlight and avoiding smartphone screens (though some stargazing apps have a red light mode). — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Much of Pereira was left without electricity, forcing residents to navigate streets with flashlights as rescue operations continued. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for flashlight

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

flashlight

noun

flash·​light ˈflash-ˌlīt 

: a small battery-operated portable electric light