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
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.
Rather than having one conventionally bolted on to the side, the Custom gets a ceramic-coated exhaust snaking up beneath the chassis and up through the tail end – where the airbox and taillight have been removed. New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2024 Narrow horizontal running lights and taillights that extend nearly to the car’s midline provide an impression of width. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 16 Dec. 2024 The rear features a brighter, complete taillight, shaped like a ring, like the last-generation Charger sedan. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 The Sorento’s hood has strong creases on either side and is augmented by an extensive front grille, vertical taillights, and strong side lines that borrow from the larger Kia Telluride SUV. Doug Newcomb, PCMAG, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for taillight 

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 27 Jan. 2025.

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!