red light

¹

noun

1. a red lamp, used as a traffic signal to mean “stop.”
2. an order or directive to halt an action, project, etc.:

   There's a red light on all unnecessary expenses.

3. a children's running game in which players must stop when “Red light!” is called.
4. a signal of danger; warning.

red-light

²

[ red-lahyt ]

verb (used with object)

, red-light·ed, red-light·ing.

1. Informal. to stop or deter by means of or as if with a red light.

red light

noun

1. a signal to stop, esp a red traffic signal in a system of traffic lights
2. a danger signal
3. an instruction to stop or discontinue
4. 1. a red lamp in a window of or outside a house indicating that it is a brothel
   2. ( as modifier )

      a red-light district

Word History and Origins

Origin of red light¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Origin of red light²

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

At 10am, red lights flashed up on a map of Britain as prepayment meters ran out of money, and the firm extended “friendly credit” to avoid a middle-of-the-night cut off.

From BBC

When the light conditions were changed to dim red light, within half an hour the chloroplast had returned to its original size and shape.

From Science Daily

Salusa Secundus, the Imperium’s seat, resembles a cross between a “Blade Runner” red light district and a Florentine court when the Medicis were running the show.

From Salon

In Scotland, landmarks install red lights as part of a nationwide "light up red" campaign.

From BBC

A hologram of a young sex worker haunts Amsterdam’s red light district.

From BBC

Related Words

• traffic signal