flashlight
UK: ˈflæʃlaɪt | US: ˈflæʃlaɪt
n. a portable battery-powered electric lamp
n. (dated) a brief, intense burst of light
The word "flashlight" is a compound of "flash" (from Old English flæsc, meaning "a sudden burst") and "light" (from Old English lēoht, meaning "brightness"). Originally, "flashlight" referred to a brief, intense light (e.g., from a magnesium flare). In the early 20th century, it evolved to describe handheld electric lamps, likely due to their ability to produce instant, directional light—akin to a "flash." The term is primarily used in American English; British English prefers "torch."
She grabbed a flashlight to explore the dark basement.
The camper used a flashlight to read his map at night.
Early photographers relied on flashlights for indoor portraits.
The lighthouse’s beam acted like a giant flashlight.
He signaled for help by flashing his flashlight repeatedly.