torchlight

Everyday

1. Torchlight is the light from a torch. In the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand a torch is a battery light you hold (a flashlight in the USA). tree →
2. In history and stories, torchlight is the light of burning sticks or flaming torches. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it sets a scene: in a cave, at night, at a castle or a procession. Phrases: by torchlight, in the torchlight, a torchlight procession.

Examples

• We read comics under the covers by torchlight. tree →
• The castle hall flickered in the torchlight. tree →
• The cave walls glittered in the torchlight. tree →
• The villagers held a torchlight procession. tree →
• By torchlight, we found the path back to the tent. tree →
• In the torchlight, the shadows looked like monsters. tree →
• They took place by torchlight, and were conducted with the greatest solemnity. tree →

Note

Uncountable: no plural. UK torch = US flashlight; a flaming torch is a stick with fire at the end. American readers may picture flames rather than a battery light.