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.
On the opposite side of the casing to the LED flashlight is this odd pair of holes, behind which the speaker and microphone live. Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 Prize options include a flashlight, zippered tech travel case, aluminum water bottle or a new book to keep after completing the last level. Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2025 Stylists reported using phone flashlights to see during the dressing process. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 24 May 2025 When visiting the beach at night, leave portable lights (flashlights, cell phones) at home. Lexie Beach, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 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 3 Jun. 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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