blinker

American  

[bling-ker] / ˈblɪŋ kər /

noun

• blinkers
  plural

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

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• blinkers
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of blinker

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

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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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

blinker blinkers

Realizing it was in a must-turn-right lane, the Waymo flicked on its left blinker, wavered toward the middle lane, changed its mind, and turned right—away from the hotel.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

“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 car will be honking, with blinker and hazard lights flashing, according to Mazda, although the exact warning signals are still undecided.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 3, 2021

He began to see that Grover was directing the slither — not by craning his neck and putting on his blinker and swearing, but simply by glancing, passing, glancing, passing.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

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 ● Dec. 18, 2025

“I’ll keep the blinkers on, put on the hat and just get in the ring.”

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 16, 2023

In June last year, a Chinese navy vessel flashed blue lights and blinkers at a Philippine coastguard tugboat, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

From BBC ● Feb. 13, 2023

Your concern, as your friend doesn’t grasp, is not just for those wrongs but for the moral blinkers — the defects of character or culture — that prevent this man from seeing the wrong.

From New York Times ● May 20, 2022

The reins, the halters, the blinkers, the degrading nosebags, were thrown on to the rubbish fire which was burning in the yard.

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell

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Related Words

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

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