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.
This is how designers came up with a trekking pole that packs 10 tools, a telescope that doubles as a flashlight, and a sleeping bag that can be worn as a poncho or used as a hammock. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026 Damaris went into the shack, put on her swamp boots, grabbed the machete and flashlight, and headed for the jungle the same way the dogs had gone. — Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026 Backlit with the beams from a flashlight, a figure came into view inside the leathery sac. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Organizers also plan to distribute water, flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies, while food at the event will be free. — Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 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

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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 3 Sep. 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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for flashlight

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