taillight

American  

[teyl-lahyt] / ˈteɪlˌlaɪt /

noun

taillights plural

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• taillights
  plural

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

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

From Seattle Times • Dec. 2, 2022

At 5:48 the cop smiles after verifying Dad’s identity on Google, and says, You “Da Man”! At 5:50 Dad autographs a Krispy Kreme napkin for the officer and gets a warning for his broken taillight.

From "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander