taillight

American  

[teyl-lahyt] / ˈteɪlˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a light, 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

Minor violations such as a broken taillight or seat belt left unbuckled may lead to a ticket for an average motorist — but for someone who is undocumented it can have life-altering consequences.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2024

Instead, the organization would like to see a fund set up to pay to fix the problem — replacing a taillight, providing someone on a bike with a helmet — rather than levy a fine.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 2, 2023

I look out my window, and I see a plane high in the sky, its taillight flashing.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King