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)

Example Sentences

When you speed past a police car, you probably look for brake lights in your mirror.

From Salon

Red brake lights and white headlights filled every inch of the road below.

From Literature

After the impact, he testified, the white Mercedes’ brake lights went on, but it did not stop.

From Los Angeles Times

On a recent evening, Ms. Diver, 25, sat in stop-and-go traffic, the red of the brake lights in front glowing through the windshield, as dusk turned to darkness.

From New York Times

On the night before Thanksgiving, the Lakers endured a reality check similar to the one felt by the drivers in the traditional parade of brake lights winding along the 405.

From Los Angeles Times