noun
A powerful light used for searching or signaling, often mounted on ships, vehicles, or in security contexts. The loanword サーチライト is more common in everyday speech.
See also: サーチライト
巡視船の探照灯が海面を照らした。
The patrol boat's searchlight illuminated the surface of the sea.
夜間の警備には探照灯が欠かせない。
A searchlight is indispensable for nighttime security.