blinker
Americannoun
-
a device for flashing light signals.
-
a light that flashes intermittently, especially one that serves as a traffic signal.
-
either of two leather flaps on a bridle, to prevent a horse from seeing sideways; a blinder.
verb (used with object)
noun
-
a flashing light for sending messages, as a warning device, etc, such as a direction indicator on a road vehicle
-
(often plural) a slang word for eye 1
verb
-
to provide (a horse) with blinkers
-
to obscure with or as if with blinkers
Etymology
Origin of blinker
Explanation
Any flashing light can be called a blinker, but it usually refers to the turn signal on a car. Before you suddenly turn left, be sure to put your blinker on. A light that blinks on and off is a blinker, and it may be used to signal your plans to change direction in a car, or to send some kind of signal. Another meaning of the word is "blinder," a kind of eye patch that's used in horse racing to block the horse's peripheral vision so it won't get distracted. To blinker a horse is to attach blinkers to its harness.
Vocabulary lists containing blinker
Unit 4, Week 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Black Stallion
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“The ships don’t just turn on their left-hand blinker and make a left turn back to Los Angeles. It takes a little bit of work,” Seroka said.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2023
Image: Blue Tiger I also spotted this upcoming POC Omne Eternal bike helmet, which uses the cells to power a flashing rear safety blinker.
From The Verge • Aug. 17, 2022
The suit alleged that Harper slowed down, activated her blinker and emergency lights and was looking for a safe place to pull over after trooper Rodney Dunn initiated a traffic stop in July 2020.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 19, 2021
I just turned my blinker on and waited for them to clear, which they eventually did after a two-minute game of chicken.
From Slate • Jul. 29, 2019
She clicks the blinker on to exit the highway, and Scoob gulps.
From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
