stoplight
See also: stop light
English
editAlternative forms
editEtymology
editNoun
editstoplight (plural stoplights)
- (US, Philippines) A traffic control signal, traditionally consisting of three lights, colored green, yellow/amber, and red, meaning proceed, prepare to stop, and stop, respectively.
- 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
editThe 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
edit- traffic light
- traffic signal (US)
- robot (South African)
Translations
edit(US) a traffic control signal — see traffic light
light on the rear of a vehicle — see brake light