stoplight

See also: stop light

English

Alternative forms

• stop light

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)‎^[1], 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

• traffic light
• traffic signal (US)
• robot (South African)

Translations

(US) a traffic control signal — see traffic light

light on the rear of a vehicle — see brake light

Anagrams

• lightpost, spotlight, toplights