red-light

1 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly red light
: relating to or being an area with many brothels or sex workers
Just inside the entrance to "Picasso Érotique," the exhibition's designer has recreated an imagined bordello bedroom as one might have existed in the red-light district of Barcelona in the era of Picasso's youth.Arthur C. Danto
In the beginning, entertainment ran more along the lines of saloons, card games and red light activities.Jennifer Houghton

red light

2 of 2

noun

: a warning signal
especially : a red traffic signal

Examples of red-light in a Sentence

Noun the reporter took her glower as a red light and stopped asking questions
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.
Adjective
Many San Diego County cities have removed their red-light camera systems in recent years, but ones remain in Del Mar and Solana Beach. Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 The multiple red-light wavelengths help reduce inflammation, calming redness from clusters of pimples. Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
Noun
Authorities allege Comer ran a red light while traveling approximately 84 miles per hour and slammed into Maria Tambunga’s pickup truck. Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026 According to the lawsuit, Gomez was driving north on Kedzie Avenue when her car was hit by a Honda HR-V fleeing from police, after the other driver ran a red light at 31st Street. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for red-light

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1878, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red-light was in 1849

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Red-light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red-light. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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