red-light

1 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly red light
: relating to or being an area with many brothels or sex workers
Just inside the entrance to "Picasso Érotique," the exhibition's designer has recreated an imagined bordello bedroom as one might have existed in the red-light district of Barcelona in the era of Picasso's youth.Arthur C. Danto
In the beginning, entertainment ran more along the lines of saloons, card games and red light activities.Jennifer Houghton

red light

2 of 2

noun

: a warning signal
especially : a red traffic signal

Examples of red-light in a Sentence

Noun the reporter took her glower as a red light and stopped asking questions
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The city previously operated red-light cameras, but the program ended in 2014. Nina Burns, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026 Many San Diego County cities have removed their red-light camera systems in recent years, but ones remain in Del Mar and Solana Beach. Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
Police said the group of motorcycles continued traveling westbound until they were stopped in traffic at a red light on Main Street near the intersection of Clark Street. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026 Michael Schade, who works in the department’s traffic division, said most e-bike accidents were caused by riders disobeying basic traffic rules, like running red lights and not stopping at stop signs. Alissa Gary, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for red-light

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1878, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red-light was in 1849

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Red-light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red-light. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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