red-light

1 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly red light
: relating to or being an area with many brothels or sex workers
Just inside the entrance to "Picasso Érotique," the exhibition's designer has recreated an imagined bordello bedroom as one might have existed in the red-light district of Barcelona in the era of Picasso's youth.Arthur C. Danto
In the beginning, entertainment ran more along the lines of saloons, card games and red light activities.Jennifer Houghton

red light

2 of 2

noun

: a warning signal
especially : a red traffic signal

Examples of red-light in a Sentence

Noun the reporter took her glower as a red light and stopped asking questions
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
In This Story: Does red-light therapy actually help with hair loss? Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 26 May 2025 In New York, for example, a judge would order an ISA installation for a driver who has accumulated six speeding or red-light camera violations in one year, or 11 points on their license over two years. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 15 May 2025
Noun
Your skin may be sensitive after red light exposure. Sherri Gordon, Health, 3 June 2025 Florida has been on fire on the road, averaging 4.75 red lights 🚨 per game away from home, the fifth-highest mark in NHL history. James Mirtle, New York Times, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for red-light

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red-light was in 1849

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Red-light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red-light. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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