blinker
Americannoun
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a device for flashing light signals.
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a light that flashes intermittently, especially one that serves as a traffic signal.
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either of two leather flaps on a bridle, to prevent a horse from seeing sideways; a blinder.
verb (used with object)
noun
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a flashing light for sending messages, as a warning device, etc, such as a direction indicator on a road vehicle
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(often plural) a slang word for eye 1
verb
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to provide (a horse) with blinkers
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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
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The Black Stallion
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Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone
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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.
What is not supposed to happen is you turning on your left blinker light.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 21, 2024
“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
As technologies shift and companies blinker in and out, the photos, e-books, and blog posts we cherish are much more tenuous than we care to admit.
From Slate • Nov. 12, 2020
“Matt,” Mr. Ray said, putting on his blinker.
From "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds
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.
