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.
Once home, inspect your luggage with a flashlight and clean the wheels before bringing it into your bedroom. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 July 2025 Woods was wearing a vest and had a flashlight on him, but was still struck at the scene of a crash late one night. David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 The kit should have at least three days' worth of drinking water and food, a flashlight, first aid supplies and a weather radio. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 The collision was jarring, no one knew what the vibe was or what to dance to; but before things could really get hectic, a mass of flashlights stormed in from the distance. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 25 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 16 Jul. 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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