blinker

American  

[bling-ker] / ˈblɪŋ kər /

noun

1. a device for flashing light signals.

2. a light that flashes intermittently, especially one that serves as a traffic signal.

3. either of two leather flaps on a bridle, to prevent a horse from seeing sideways; a blinder.

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verb (used with object)

1. to put blinkers on.

blinker British  

/ ˈblɪŋkə /

noun

1. a flashing light for sending messages, as a warning device, etc, such as a direction indicator on a road vehicle

2. (often plural) a slang word for eye 1

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verb

1. to provide (a horse) with blinkers

2. to obscure with or as if with blinkers

Etymology

Origin of blinker

First recorded in 1630–40; blink + -er ¹

Example Sentences

But even he has blinkers on: Yes, 1975 might have been a great, great time in New York, despite garbage strikes, crime rates and municipal bankruptcy.

From The Wall Street Journal

He said investigators must not be "blinkered" or put crimes into boxes while ignoring the overlap between some offences.

From BBC

"I trimmed down my team too as I was moving at 100mph with the blinkers on. It has taken a bit of time but now I'm here."

From BBC

But the challenges buffeting America these days go beyond the author’s charged and sometimes blinkered framework.

From The Wall Street Journal

But campaigners have claimed the report was "half-baked" and the government was "blinkered" about the importance of pylons.

From BBC

Related Words

• alarm
• beacon
• cue
• gesture
• indicator
• sign