Definition

A red light located at the back of a vehicle that signals when the vehicle is stopping or turning.

Example

Make sure your taillights are working before you drive at night.

Conversation

I noticed your car's taillight is broken; you should get it fixed soon.

Yeah, I saw that too. It's been on my to-do list.

It's important for safety, especially at night.

Definitely! I’ll try to take care of it this weekend.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Taillight → It is formed from "tail" (from Old English *tægel*, meaning the rear part) and "light" (from Old English *leoht*, meaning illumination). The word "taillight" refers to the light located at the rear part of a vehicle, providing illumination and signaling to others.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'rear part' ('tail') of a vehicle being illuminated ('light') — that's why a taillight is the light at the back.

Visually Confused Words