stop-and-go

[ stop-uhn-goh ]

adjective

1. characterized by periodically enforced stops, as caused by heavy traffic or traffic signals:

   stop-and-go traffic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of stop-and-go¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

We inched comfortably through stop-and-go Saturday afternoon traffic and made an impressive left turn ahead of two lanes of oncoming cars as I said my prayers in the passenger seat.

From Slate

There was less traffic on the freeways and not as much stop-and-go on surface streets.

From Los Angeles Times

Whitaker will be the latest judge to oversee the stop-and-go trial, which has been rife with delays.

From Los Angeles Times

The June 10 meeting swiftly became a point of tension in the already stop-and-go trial.

From Los Angeles Times

Stop-and-go traffic tends to stretch for 2 to 3 miles approaching the work zones, but alternatives are available by exiting to Highway 599 in Tukwila, detouring to Interstate 405 through Renton and Bellevue, or climbing Highway 518 to find the northbound 509 turnoff in Burien.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• fitful
• infrequent
• occasional
• periodic
• recurrent
• recurring
• seasonal