flashlight

flashlight — noun

1. A portable hand-held device that produces light using batteries, used for seeing

1.nounB1
Definition

A portable hand-held device that produces light using batteries, used for seeing in the dark.

Example

Adina took her flashlight out of her backpack before walking into the dark cave.

collocation: take out a flashlight

The old wooden flashlight stopped working after the batteries ran out.

collocation: batteries run out

Common collocations
  • turn on / off a flashlight
  • point a flashlight at
  • shine a flashlight on
  • flashlight beam
  • flashlight batteries
  • flashlight bulb
Synonyms
  • torch

    British English term for the same device; in American English, 'torch' means a flaming stick

  • headlamp

    worn on the head with a strap, leaving both hands free; more specialized

  • lantern

    typically larger, often freestanding, and may use fuel instead of batteries

Usage Note

This is the standard term in American English; the equivalent in British English is 'torch'. Unlike a camera 'flash' (a brief burst of light for photography), a flashlight produces a steady beam.

Common Mistakes

The photographer used a flashlight to take a picture in the dark.
The photographer used a flash (or flashgun) to take a picture in the dark.
A 'flashlight' is a handheld device for seeing; a 'flash' is a brief bright light for photography.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All five words relate to portable light sources, but each has a different scope and context. 'Flashlight' and 'torch' are the most direct synonyms — they refer to the same battery-powered handheld device, but 'flashlight' is the standard American term while 'torch' is British. 'Lantern' is larger and often stands on a surface or hangs, providing broader area light; it may run on batteries, fuel, or candles. 'Headlamp' is worn on a headband and is ideal for hands-free use during camping or repairs. 'Flash' is a different category entirely — it refers to a brief, intense burst of light from a camera, not a steady beam. For example: 'Mert used his flashlight to find the tent at night.' vs. 'The photographer turned on the flash to take a well-lit picture.'

flashlight ↗torch ↗lantern ↗headlampflash ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • the beam of a flashlight
  • the batteries in a flashlight

Prepositions

  • with a flashlight
  • by the light of a flashlight

Etymology

English

A compound of 'flash' (a sudden brief burst of light) and 'light'. The word was coined around 1905, when early battery-powered hand lamps were too weak to produce a steady glow and instead emitted brief flashes. Over time the technology improved, but the name 'flashlight' stuck.