stoplight

See also: stop light

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

stop +‎ light

Noun

stoplight (plural stoplights)

  1. (US) A traffic control signal, traditionally consisting of three lights, colored green, yellow/amber, and red, meaning proceed, prepare to stop, and stop, respectively.
  2. A light on the rear of a vehicle that is activated when braking; a brake light.
    • 1973, United States. Department of the Army, Organizational Maintenance Manual (TM-9-2320-211-20)‎, page 2-52:
      The rear lamps are combined with the service stoplights and are contained in stoplight part and blackout marker light assemblies at the rear of the vehicle.

Usage notes

The two-word form stop light was initially more common, but its usage plateaued around 1950, whereas usage of stoplight increased continually since that year, overtaking stop light around 1970.

Synonyms

Translations
(US) a traffic control signal — see traffic light
light on the rear of a vehicle — see brake light

Anagrams
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