variants or less commonly penlite
: a small flashlight resembling a fountain pen in size or shape

Examples of penlight 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.
Apodaca peered into crevice after crevice with a penlight. Benji Jones, Vox, 18 June 2024 To create his hit video, Carter wrapped a GoPro camera with thermal protection and attached two small penlight flashlights to the sides. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penlight was in 1930

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penlight. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

penlight

noun
: a small flashlight resembling a fountain pen in size or shape
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