traffic stop

noun

plural traffic stops
: an instance of police stopping a driver (as for speeding or a broken taillight)
She was pulled over for a routine traffic stop.
an officer making a traffic stop

Examples of traffic stop in a Sentence

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.
An arrest warrant has been issued for a man accused of impersonating a police officer during a traffic stop in Verona Borough. Mike Darnay, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026 In September, a federal agent shot and killed Silverio Villegas-González during a traffic stop. Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026 Josiah Gilliam, 26, was identified as the victim in a traffic stop shooting on Tuesday, the coroner’s office stated in a press release. Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026 Officers located the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Timia Cobb breaking News Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for traffic stop

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of traffic stop was in 1953

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Traffic stop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20stop. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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