headlight

noun

head·​light ˈhed-ˌlīt How to pronounce headlight (audio)
1
: a light with a reflector and special lens mounted on the front of a vehicle to illuminate the road ahead
also : the beam cast by a headlight
2
: a light worn on the forehead (as of a miner or physician)

Examples of headlight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some children seem frozen, like deer in the headlights, when they are called upon to speak. Marisa Cohen, Parents, 18 Sep. 2023 Patchy fog is also possible, so please remember to use those low headlight beams. A. Camden Walker, Washington Post, 17 Sep. 2023 Improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle: U.S. 422 At 11:10 p.m. Aug. 30, an officer stopped a Nissan Altima on U.S. 422 eastbound because the car’s license plate was obscured and its headlights dim. cleveland, 11 Sep. 2023 Its swiveling head swiftly maneuvers around furniture and corners, while its LED headlights illuminate messes in its path. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2023 Dealers will inspect and replace the right headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2023 Read the full story The LED lighting elements in both the headlights and taillights have been revised, with more intricate designs than before. Car and Driver, 5 Sep. 2023 Like many animals, its eyes can appear to glow when caught in headlights, and, when startled, the bird sometimes extends its wings. Colin Dickey, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2023 Take for instance the composition of the subdials that imitate the typical headlights on the front side of the G-Class. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'headlight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of headlight was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near headlight

Cite this Entry

“Headlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headlight. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

headlight

noun
head·​light ˈhed-ˌlīt How to pronounce headlight (audio)
: a light on the front of a vehicle
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!