headlight

noun

head·​light ˈhed-ˌlīt How to pronounce headlight (audio)
Synonyms of headlightnext
1
: a light with a reflector and special lens mounted on the front of a vehicle to illuminate the road ahead
also : the beam cast by a headlight
2
: a light worn on the forehead (as of a miner or physician)

Examples of headlight 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.
Volkswagen Brazil This model gets new LED headlights – similar to those on the Tiguan SUV that VW makes for Europe – mounted above black air intakes for an aggressive front end. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026 The absolutely astounding headlights somehow emanate from jewellike strips that run across the nose of the vehicle. — Marco Della Cava, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026 Elmhurst Police Department The suspect was last seen fleeing the scene riding a black Segway-brand electric scooter with a headlight on, riding west on Vallette Street from York Street. — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 Reduce driving speeds, increase following distances, and use only low beam headlights. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for headlight

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of headlight was in 1845

Rhymes for headlight

See All Rhymes for headlight

Browse Nearby Words

head lettuce
headlight
headlighting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headlight. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

headlight

noun
head·​light ˈhed-ˌlīt How to pronounce headlight (audio)
: a light on the front of a vehicle

More from Merriam-Webster on headlight

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for headlight

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about headlight

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