searchlight

/ˈsɜːtʃlaɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɜːrtʃlaɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsərch-ˌlīt/ (ame, mw)

searchlight — noun

  • searchlightsingular
  • searchlightsplural

1. A bright outdoor lamp that produces a powerful, aimable beam, used at night to f

1.名詞B2
釋義

A bright outdoor lamp that produces a powerful, aimable beam, used at night to find people, vehicles, or aircraft, or to guard buildings and borders.

例句

Nicholas used a searchlight to find his lost dog in the dark field.

The searchlight from the prison tower swept across the yard every few seconds.

swept across (searchlight + verb of sweeping movement)

同義詞
  • spotlight

    produces a narrower beam and is typically used indoors for performance or display purposes

  • floodlight

    illuminates a wide area with broad, even light, such as on a sports field

用法筆記

Refers to a large, powerful outdoor light that can be aimed in different directions. Do not confuse it with a flashlight (a small battery-powered portable light) or a spotlight (used in theatre for a narrow beam on a performer).

常見錯誤

Use a searchlight to look under the sofa.
Use a flashlight to look under the sofa.
💡A searchlight is a large outdoor fixture, not a small portable tool.