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.
In the winter months of 1973, kids were taking flashlights to the pitch-black bus stops in the morning. — Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026 With phones, keys, multi-tools, flashlights, water bottles and charging cables, the modern trouser and jacket pocket has a tough job coping. — New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026 One driver, Eddie Imel, had a pair of pliers; his partner, Danny Jaramillo, had a flashlight. — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 This Iniu model is compact and features 45-watt fast charge, a digital display, handy lanyard, phone stand, and flashlight. — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Flashlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flashlight. Accessed 9 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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