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red light

/rɛd laɪt/
/rɛd laɪt/
IPA guide

Other forms: red lights

The red light in a traffic signal tells drivers to stop. When it changes from a red light to a green light, drivers can go.

Most traffic signals have three lights, a red light at the top, green at the bottom, and a yellow or amber light in the middle that means "slow down." If you're driving and see a flashing red light, it acts like a stop sign — you have to stop completely before proceeding. Red lights in general signal some kind of warning, and they're used everywhere from railroad lines to subways and river locks.

Definitions of red light
  1. noun
    the signal to stop
    see moresee less
    type of:
    stoplight, traffic light, traffic signal
    a visual signal to control the flow of traffic at intersections
  2. noun
    a cautionary sign of danger
    synonyms: warning light
    see moresee less
    types:
    idiot light
    a colored warning light on an instrument panel (as for low oil pressure)
    type of:
    visual signal
    a signal that involves visual communication
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