What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
floodlight
Example
The stadium was flooded with light from the floodlights. [floodlights: noun]
Example
We need to floodlight the backyard for the party tonight. [floodlight: verb]
searchlight
Example
The helicopter used a searchlight to locate the missing hiker. [searchlight: noun]
Example
The actor was highlighted by a searchlight during his entrance. [searchlight: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Floodlight is more commonly used than searchlight in everyday language. Floodlights are often used for outdoor lighting, such as in sports fields or parking lots, while searchlights are more commonly associated with specific tasks such as search and rescue or military operations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between floodlight and searchlight?
Both floodlight and searchlight are formal words that are typically used in technical or specialized contexts, such as in engineering, construction, or theater production.