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
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Adjective
In the new study, the researchers recruited 26 current football players to understand more about the impact of red-light therapy on brain injuries. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Tierra Santa Healing House introduces a comprehensive spa and longevity experience, featuring immersive hydrothermal rituals, botanical steam rooms infused with South American herbs, horizontal rain shower beds, cold plunge and red-light therapy and couples heated stone beds. Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
Keep scrolling to score more of my top Nordstrom picks under $50, including a red light face wand and a snuggly sweater. Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026 With the red light therapy, the acupuncture pen can also be used to reduce the swelling and inflammation around the pain area. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 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 4 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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