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.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said on social media that the vehicle Galeano was a passenger in fled when ICE officers tried to perform a traffic stop. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 9 Nov. 2025 Bercaw said the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) initiated a pursuit and attempted a traffic stop and the Camry fled. NPR, 8 Nov. 2025 After the alert went out that a suspect in a double homicide was in the area, an officer spotted the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Robb Murray, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2025 The deputy involved tried to conduct a traffic stop but the man continued sleeping for two miles. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Traffic stop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20stop. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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