# searchlight

/ˈsɝtʃˌɫaɪt/ (US) · /sˈɜːtʃlaɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/searchlight
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a very bright light that can be moved to look for things in the dark. It is often used by police, ships, or at large events.

For teachers: a powerful, narrow beam of light produced by a large lamp and a parabolic mirror, used for illumination or signaling. Often used metaphorically to describe intense public or media scrutiny.

## Examples

- The searchlight swept across the field in the dark.
- The lighthouse keeper used a searchlight to signal the approaching ship through the thick fog.
- The scandal was brought into the public searchlight after the journalist published the leaked documents, forcing the politician to resign from the committee.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.