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
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.
Justin Cohen was arrested and issued a speeding ticket following a traffic stop in the Bronx in 2023. Jessica Moore, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026 The Harford County Sheriff's Union said a Department of Emergency Services employee threatened to kill deputies during a traffic stop, and is upset that County Executive Bob Cassilly’s administration continues to employ the worker. Bryna Zumer, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2026 The driver was ultimately taken into custody and transported to the Oswego Police Department following a traffic stop. Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026 The court ruled that the cannabis product must be rolled or otherwise ready to consume in order to meet a similar standard that is applied to alcohol during traffic stops. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for traffic stop

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of traffic stop was in 1953

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Traffic stop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20stop. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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!