flashlight

Everyday

1. A flashlight is a small electric light you hold in your hand, powered by batteries; in the UK, Ireland and Australia it is usually called a torch. tree →
2. Flashlight can also mean the flash on a camera. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety a flashlight is kept for power cuts, camping and emergencies; in science lessons on light and circuits pupils see how batteries, bulbs and switches make it work. Phrases: «shine a flashlight», «switch on the flashlight», «a flashlight beam».

Examples

• Shine the flashlight under the bed. tree →
• Keep a flashlight ready in case the power goes out. tree →
• We read stories under the covers with a flashlight. tree →
• The flashlight needs new batteries. tree →
• Light travels in straight lines from the flashlight. tree →
• The beam of the flashlight lit up the cave. tree →
• Pack a flashlight for the camping trip. tree →

Note

Countable. «Flashlight» is the American word; British, Irish and Australian English say «torch». Never shine a flashlight into someone's eyes.