searchlight

noun

search·​light ˈsərch-ˌlīt How to pronounce searchlight (audio)
: an apparatus for projecting a powerful beam of light
also : a beam of light projected by it

Examples of searchlight 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.
At least a half-dozen boats were scanning the water using searchlights. Lolita C. Baldor, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025 At least a half-dozen boats are scanning the water using searchlights. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025 From the banks of the Potomac, search helicopters were seen probing the water with searchlights as fire boats made trips back and forth through the icy Potomac, transporting what appeared to be debris from the crash, including suitcases. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2025 How that searchlight appeared way out in the distance, out in the South China Sea, turning in their direction from an American ship. Brendan Quinn, The Athletic, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for searchlight 

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of searchlight was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near searchlight

Cite this Entry

“Searchlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/searchlight. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

searchlight

noun
search·​light ˈsərch-ˌlīt How to pronounce searchlight (audio)
: a device for casting a beam of light
also : a beam of light cast by it

More from Merriam-Webster on searchlight

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