pilot light

noun

1
: a small permanent flame used to ignite gas at a burner
2
: an indicator light showing where a switch or circuit breaker is located or whether a motor is in operation or power is on

called also pilot lamp

Examples of pilot light in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To me, those tiny altars were the pilot lights of our house. Victor Lodato, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024 Legends keep them in the soul, a pilot light for payback. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 Feb. 2024 The rarest pilot lights burn hottest when the nights bring their darkest and coldest. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 Feb. 2024 Finally, an acetylene torch was needed to light the pilot light. Larry Printz, Ars Technica, 4 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for pilot light 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pilot light.' 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

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pilot light was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near pilot light

Cite this Entry

“Pilot light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pilot%20light. Accessed 22 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

pilot light

noun
: a small permanent flame used to ignite gas at a burner

More from Merriam-Webster on pilot light

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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