Flashlight
/ˈflæʃˌlaɪt/
Definitions
A small, battery-powered portable lamp.
/ˈflæʃˌlaɪt/
A small, portable electric light.
He turned on the flashlight to see what was under the bed.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a mini spotlight you can carry around. If it's dark, and you need to see, you turn on the flashlight to make things bright. Kinda like when you turn on the lights in your bedroom, but this one is super small and you can carry it!
👶 For kids: A flashlight is a little lamp you can carry around in your hand. It helps you see in the dark!
More Examples
I need a new flashlight; this one doesn't work.
The campsite was dark, so we used a flashlight to find our tent.
How It's Used
"I keep a flashlight in my car for emergencies."
"Hikers often carry flashlights to navigate in the dark."
"Firefighters use powerful flashlights when entering smoke-filled buildings."
The word 'flashlight' originated in the late 19th century, coinciding with the invention of portable electric lights. It's a compound word, combining 'flash' (referring to a sudden burst of light) and 'light' (the source of illumination).
The term 'flashlight' gained popularity with the commercial availability of electric batteries and light bulbs in the late 19th century. Early models were often bulky and less reliable than modern versions.
Memory tip
Imagine a quick 'flash' of light that you can hold in your hand. That's a flashlight!