taillight

American  

[teyl-lahyt] / ˈteɪlˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a light, lights, usually red, at the rear of an automobile, train, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of taillight

First recorded in 1835–45; tail ¹ + light ¹

Example Sentences

An orange car pulled into the parking lot, with a busted taillight, and a few members of the group got up and hobbled over.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

But they often prefer to work with local police in such situations, who have much broader latitude to stop cars for reasons other than immigration, such as if someone is driving with a broken taillight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

Turner was driving a white 2013 Ford Fusion when officers pulled him over for an equipment violation because his headlight or taillight was out, police said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2023

Even with a light string, charge up and use your headlight and taillight, too.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 2, 2022

“Apparently, Brian pulled the kid over ’cause he had a broken taillight and was speeding.”

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas