brake light

[breyk lahyt]

noun

1. a taillight that lights up as the driver of a vehicle steps on the brake pedal to slow down or stop.

brake light

noun

1. Also called: stoplight. a red light attached to the rear of a motor vehicle that lights up when the brakes are applied, serving as a warning to following drivers

Word History and Origins

Origin of brake light¹

First recorded in 1850–55 (for railroad trains)