Definition

A light located at the front of a vehicle that helps to illuminate the road ahead during nighttime or in poor visibility conditions.

Example

Make sure to turn on your headlights when driving at night.

Conversation

Did you see that car with the broken headlight last night?

Yeah, it was so dim; I was worried they wouldn't see the road.

I wonder if they know they need to fix that headlight.

Hopefully, they'll get it sorted out before it causes an accident.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Headlight → It is formed from "head" (from Old English "heafod", meaning the upper part of the body or the leader) and "light" (from Old English "leoht", meaning illumination or brightness). The word "headlight" refers to a light at the front of a vehicle that illuminates the road ahead.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'head' as the front or leading part and 'light' as illumination — together, they help you remember that a headlight is a light that shines ahead.

Visually Confused Words