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.
The rear end is all business, with thin and sharp taillights and an active spoiler. — New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026 Twist jumped in his mom's car, which officers pulled over citing a broken taillight. — Cbs Chicago Team, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister released the July 29 bodycam footage showing deputies stopping a vehicle in Tampa because its taillights and tag lights were not working. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 In back the clamshell tailgate seen on previous Q5 and Q7 models is now a thing of the past, but optional curved OLED taillights featuring three-dimensional effects and lightning signatures look neat. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 29 July 2026 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

Rhymes for taillight

See All Rhymes for taillight

Browse Nearby Words

taillie
taillight
taillike
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Taillight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taillight. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of taillight for Spanish Speakers

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