taillight

noun

tail·​light ˈtāl-ˌlīt How to pronounce taillight (audio)
: a usually red warning light mounted at the rear of a vehicle

called also taillamp

Examples of taillight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The front of the scooter sleekly integrates a headlight into its case, and the rear has a simple taillight. Kevin Williams, Ars Technica, 1 Nov. 2023 George had introduced a variety of reforms, including eliminating cash bail and declining to prosecute cases where evidence was obtained during noncriminal traffic stops, like those for broken taillights. Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 11 Oct. 2023 The prints were dated March 22, 1985—when Davis was stopped for his broken taillight. Time, 2 Oct. 2023 Rear taillights, borrowed from the Mercury Cougar, enhanced the car’s wide rear stance. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2023 Then on March 21, 1985, a cop noticed a defective taillight on their pickup truck and pulled them over. Time, 2 Oct. 2023 Read the full story The LED lighting elements in both the headlights and taillights have been revised, with more intricate designs than before. Car and Driver, 5 Sep. 2023 Prosecutors have said those pieces matched those missing from a broken taillight on Read’s SUV. Emily Sweeney, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Sep. 2023 None of his interactions with police was for drunk driving or any other felony offense; the final stop was for a broken taillight. Jack McCordick, The New Republic, 13 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'taillight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of taillight was in 1844

Dictionary Entries Near taillight

Cite this Entry

“Taillight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taillight. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

taillight

noun
tail·​light ˈtā(ə)l-ˌlīt How to pronounce taillight (audio)
: a red warning light mounted at the rear of a vehicle

More from Merriam-Webster on taillight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!