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

Sure, your smartphone would still be your notepad-flashlight-camera-personal assistant-MP3 player-wallet-social media browser. — Cara Giovanetti, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

In video released by authorities, the deputy first tried to get the man out through the driver's side window by breaking it with his flashlight. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Eversource is urging customers to prepare or restock storm kits that should include flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable foods, medications, pet food and other necessities. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 23 Sep. 2026

The pocket-sized UV flashlight can detect what the naked eye can’t, including dry urine stains, bed bugs, scorpions, and more. — Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 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