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
Maybe that includes a high-tech red-light device to stimulate collagen or upgrading your deodorant to something a little more luxe. Grace McCarty, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026 In the meantime, the risk of additional fatalities from the constant red-light-running down westbound La Jolla Parkway could be achieved with a delay on the green lights for Hidden Valley and Torrey Pines roads. Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
More roads, red light traffic cameras and police enforcement are a part of the city’s plan to improve public safety and reduce traffic fatalities. Kat Tran, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026 Its red light mode treats fine lines and wrinkles, while the blue light and mixed light modes can help soothe mild to moderate acne. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 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

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Cite this Entry

“Red-light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red-light. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

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