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Definition of flashlight

flashlight

/ˈflæʃ.laɪt/
flash · light
Plural:flashlights
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flashlight Lexical Profile

flashlight Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A small, portable, battery-powered electric lamp used to provide light in dark areas.

Example

"She grabbed a flashlight from the kitchen drawer before heading down into the dark basement."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for flashlight

Word Nuance & Usage

In North American English, 'flashlight' refers to a portable, battery-operated light, whereas in British and Commonwealth English, the equivalent term is 'torch'.

• Rhymes for flashlight

• Nearby Words

flash
flashbulb
flashcard
flashlight
flashlightfish
flask
flat

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century in the United States from 'flash' + 'light'. The name originated because early carbon-filament bulbs and primitive batteries could not sustain a steady beam, requiring users to 'flash' the light on and off to preserve power.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flashlight. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flashlight
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