traffic cop

noun

, Informal.

1. a police officer who directs the flow of traffic, usually at an intersection.

traffic cop

noun

1. informal.
   a policeman who supervises road traffic

Word History and Origins

Origin of traffic cop¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

Content moderation cannot fix the systemic problems plaguing social media any more than traffic cops could safeguard roads with no lane markings, speed limits, signs, or traffic lights.

From MIT Technology Review

Both the traffic cop and the 911 operator say that, if it comes down to them losing their job, then they would get their shots.

From Time

The sight of a traffic cop made him dodge around a corner that threw him off his course.

From Project Gutenberg

I look to the traffic cop for attention but, being a handsome man, he thinks I'm trying to flirt.

From Project Gutenberg

I guess I was brought up in a land of freedom and glory, where the only tyrant you ever meet is a traffic cop.

From Project Gutenberg

She came to know all sorts and conditions of men; Charley O'Brien, the traffic cop, was one of her best friends.

From Project Gutenberg

The traffic cop, seeing the crowd, strolls over to see what's wrong.

From Project Gutenberg