flashlight

noun

flash·​light ˈflash-ˌlīt How to pronounce flashlight (audio)
Synonyms of flashlightnext
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.
Olight’s fifth annual O-Fan Day, held in Houston on September 19, brought flashlight enthusiasts together with company representatives for demonstrations, conversations and new-product previews. — Connie Etemadi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 The titanium frame will naturally handle all kinds of impact, and the flashlight's battery chamber is sealed to prevent water damage. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026 Halo is a personal safety device that can not only share your location with a friend in real time, but also has a flashlight, sirens, and alert functions. — Time Staff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 It is recommended for kids to wear a high-visibility vest and walk around with a flashlight. — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flashlight

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of flashlight was in 1887

Rhymes for flashlight

See All Rhymes for flashlight

Browse Nearby Words

flashlamp
flashlight
flashmeter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flashlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flashlight. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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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