traffic cop

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noun Informal.

a police officer who directs the flow of traffic, usually at an intersection.

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Origin of traffic cop

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Words nearby traffic cop

trafficability, trafficable, trafficator, traffic calming, traffic circle, traffic cop, traffic court, traffic engineering, traffic island, traffic jam, trafficking

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use traffic cop in a sentence

Content moderation cannot fix the systemic problems plaguing social media any more than traffic cops could safeguard roads with no lane markings, speed limits, signs, or traffic lights.
How to save our social media by treating it like a city|Sahar Massachi|December 20, 2021|MIT Technology Review
Both the traffic cop and the 911 operator say that, if it comes down to them losing their job, then they would get their shots.
'I Just Don't Feel Like I Need It Yet.' Why the NYPD Is Grappling With COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy|Josiah Bates|August 27, 2021|Time
Smith attended both funerals as a cop and as the husband of Police Officer Moira Smith, who died on 9/11.
The Muslim Cop Killed by Terrorists|Michael Daly|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
One witness said the gunfire began after a traffic collision, which drew the attention of a nearby police officer.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

Lucas said that he himself nonetheless hopes to become a cop.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Nobody ever says they want to become a cop so they can bust people for urinating in public or drinking alcohol on their stoop.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The scene was heavily cordoned off to traffic and anyone not with the police, press, or residents.
Police Hunt for Paris Massacre Suspects|Tracy McNicoll, Christopher Dickey|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In this traffic he made money so fast that he opened an office, and subsequently a store of his own, in the Escolta.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
Railway expectations ran high; immense traffic receipts, sorely needed, ought to have swelled the coffers of the companies.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
Reasonable facilities for receiving and forwarding traffic The subject of undue preference, which was forbiddenp.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
He was skilful in out-door railway work, and an adept in managing trains and traffic.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
They also took advantage of the necessity of others, in miserly traffic in Beaver skins with the Savages.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various

British Dictionary definitions for traffic cop

traffic cop

noun

informal a policeman who supervises road traffic

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012