Red Light - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT red light /rɛd laɪt/ /rɛd laɪt/ IPA guide

Other forms: red lights

The red light in a traffic signal tells drivers to stop. When it changes from a red light to a green light, drivers can go.

Most traffic signals have three lights, a red light at the top, green at the bottom, and a yellow or amber light in the middle that means "slow down." If you're driving and see a flashing red light, it acts like a stop sign — you have to stop completely before proceeding. Red lights in general signal some kind of warning, and they're used everywhere from railroad lines to subways and river locks.

Definitions of red light

noun the signal to stop see moresee less type of: stoplight, traffic light, traffic signal a visual signal to control the flow of traffic at intersections
noun a cautionary sign of danger synonyms: warning light see moresee less types: idiot light a colored warning light on an instrument panel (as for low oil pressure) type of: visual signal a signal that involves visual communication

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘red light'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

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