pilot light: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical / Everyday
Quick answer
What does “pilot light” mean?
A small, continuously burning gas flame used to ignite a larger gas burner in appliances like boilers, water heaters, and ovens.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, continuously burning gas flame used to ignite a larger gas burner in appliances like boilers, water heaters, and ovens.
A small, constant flame; metaphorically, a small but persistent source of inspiration, motivation, or hope that can ignite something larger.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term and concept are identical. The appliance it is associated with may be more common in British homes (gas boilers for central heating).
Connotations
Same technical meaning. Metaphorical use carries the same connotation of a fragile, sustaining spark.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English due to greater prevalence of domestic gas boilers with standing pilot lights.
Grammar
How to Use “pilot light” in a Sentence
The [APPLIANCE] has a pilot light.The pilot light on the [APPLIANCE] is out.I need to relight the pilot light.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in maintenance contexts for commercial properties.
Academic
Rare, outside of engineering or design texts.
Everyday
Common in home maintenance contexts (e.g., discussing a boiler, water heater, or old oven).
Technical
Standard term in HVAC, plumbing, and appliance manuals/repair.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pilot light”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pilot light”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pilot light”
- Pronouncing 'pilot' as /pɪˈlɒt/.
- Confusing it with an indicator light (which is electric).
- Using it as a verb ("to pilot light" is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in traditional systems it is designed to burn continuously to provide immediate ignition for the main burner.
It is safe when properly adjusted and ventilated. A yellow or lifting flame, or the smell of gas, indicates a problem requiring professional attention.
Pilot lights waste gas by burning continuously. Modern appliances use on-demand electronic ignition (spark or hot surface igniter) which is more energy-efficient.
Yes, it is used metaphorically to describe a small, sustaining source of hope, interest, or potential that could lead to something bigger (e.g., 'the pilot light of democracy').
A small, continuously burning gas flame used to ignite a larger gas burner in appliances like boilers, water heaters, and ovens.
Pilot light is usually technical / everyday in register.
Pilot light: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaɪ.lət ˌlaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaɪ.lət ˌlaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “keep the pilot light burning (metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PILOT who guides a big plane. The PILOT LIGHT is a small flame that 'guides' or starts the big burner.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOPE/INTEREST IS A FLAME (e.g., 'He kept the pilot light of his ambition burning').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a pilot light?