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

The Aurora Police Department shows a fake temporary vehicle registration during a traffic stop. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Two men were arrested after law enforcement identified a vehicle connected to the shooting and attempted a traffic stop, Jackson Police Department Chief RaShall Brackney announced at a press conference late Monday. — Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

What is the Fourth of July to the mother whose 1-year-old son did not survive a traffic stop? — Otis Moss Iii, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Megan Swenson, lead stenographer for the Police Department, said her team works with officers and analysts to transcribe the department reports while meticulously reviewing the facts of cases ranging from the highly sensitive violent crimes to routine traffic stops. — Noah Daly june 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for traffic stop

• barbershop
• countertop
• lollipop
• mountaintop
• photoshop
• tabletop
• turboprop
• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop