red-light

1 of 2

adjective

ˈred-ˈlīt 

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

Synonyms of red-light

Noun

• warning
• red flag
• sign
• handwriting on the wall

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

Adjective

Jones was federally charged in 2022 with agreeing to take bribes from a red-light camera company executive in exchange for protecting the company from adverse legislation in Springfield. —Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

The city previously operated red-light cameras, but the program ended in 2014. —Nina Burns, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026

Noun

Guests frequently take photos under the red lights above the staircase leading up to the pool hall. —Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

Prosecutors allege Solis ran a red light at the intersection and hit a 41-year-old Pleasant Hill woman who was crossing the street in a crosswalk. —Jason Green, Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1878, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1849, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for red-light

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight