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torch

torch

44 1.9
A small handheld light that uses batteries
  • noun
  • /tɔrtʃ/
  • UK
translation icon : linterna
  • I shone the torch in the direction of the sound, and two pairs of eyes caught the light.
  • flashlight or torch
  • shine a torch
  • hold a torch

And they'd be woken up by this dark figure looming over them, shining a torch in their face.

Examples

  • And they'd be woken up by this dark figure looming over them, shining a torch in their face.

  • We used a torch to illuminate the dark cave as we explored its depths.

  • So I just use the torch on my phone and they love it.

  • I need to turn the torch on just now.

  • All I really need is my torch.

  • Shine your torch down there.

  • I'll shine my torch on them.

  • The grates finally disappeared entirely, and the torch became their only light.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Ilya switched on a torch and shone it in our faces.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • "Regis walked over and picked up his torch, then tucked his mace into his belt, within easy reach."

    Fiction book (1992)

Synonyms

flashlight
vstorch
  • US
246 1.0

A small battery lamp that you hold to make light

is the British regional name for the same device
penlight
vstorch
  • Specialized
4 4.1

A small light shaped like a pen used to look into eyes or small dark places

is the general portable lamp used across many everyday situations
torchlight
vstorch
  • UK
1 2.3

A small light you hold that uses batteries

is the British common name for the identical device
flashlamp
vstorch
  • UK
3.1

A small lamp that uses batteries and gives light you can carry

is the broader term for portable battery lighting not limited to continuous use

Idioms

to carry a torch
  • Informal
4 7.7

Have strong feelings of love for someone who does not love you back

Give responsibility for your job to the person who will replace you

Compounds

torch song
  • Archaic
2 7.0

A sad song about love that is not returned

oxyacetylene torch
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A torch that makes a very hot flame to cut or join metal using oxygen and acetylene

torch singer
  • Archaic
1 7.9

A person who sings sad songs about love that is not returned

A race in which runners pass a lit torch to one another

How Bright

searchlight
15 3.9
floodlight
9 3.4
torch
  • UK
44 1.9
reading lamp
1 1.3
candle
451 1.0

Surface Forms

torch singular
torches plural
flashlights plural
flashlight singular

Etymology

Torch comes from an old word that meant a twisted, burning stick; it comes from Latin torquere 'to twist'. So British English calls a small handheld electric lamp a torch because it does the same job as the old, hand-held fire: giving light.