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.
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2025 Make your vehicle visible to others both ahead of you and behind you by using your low-beam headlights since this means your taillights will also be on. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2025 Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025 This gave credence to the defense’s theory that police tampered with the evidence, including the busted taillight, pieces of which were later found at the crime scene, at 34 Fairview Road. Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Taillight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taillight. Accessed 19 Sep. 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

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