Searchlight Meaning
/ˈsɜːtʃˌlaɪt/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA light source that projects a bright beam of light in any direction, generally for military use.
nounThe light from the above source.
Sentence Examples
Ziri turned on the searchlight.
Ziri searched the surrounding waters with a searchlight.
CEFR Practice Quiz
At night, the police used a ____ to scan the dark building for suspects.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The prison guard swept the ____ across the yard to check for any unusual activity.
Word Origin & History
From search + light. Compare West Frisian sykljocht (“searchlight”), Dutch zoeklicht (“searchlight”), Danish søgelys (“searchlight”), Swedish sökarljus (“searchlight”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"A dozen air corps of fireflies searchlighted the spot for an instant."
— 1937, L. Ron Hubbard, All Frontiers Are Jealous:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
At night, the police used a ____ to scan the dark building for suspects.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The prison guard swept the ____ across the yard to check for any unusual activity.