taillights

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'taillights' is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the red lights at the back of a vehicle that activate when the headlights are turned on. Example: "The car's taillights were so bright that they illuminated the entire road behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Red taillights were mounted at the rear of trains at night to improve safety.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also put the fins on Cadillacs in the era following World War II, styling the twin curvilinear taillights of the 1948 Cadillac after the twin-boomed tail of the P-38 Lightning, a fighter plane designed by Kelly Johnson.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the big talking point of the new Prius is its new looks, with a high-tech looking front end, dramatic creases running along the sides and new, dramatically vertical taillights in the rear.

Independent

It is widely used in aircraft canopies and windows, boat windshields, and the like, and for making ornaments, medallions, and lenses for cameras and automobile stoplights and taillights.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The taillights, the coarse blaze of deserted office buildings, the lit storefronts, the orange fuzz of the street lanterns: all this garbage of light had been refined into a radiant atmosphere that rested in a low silver heap over Midtown and introduced to my mind the mad thought that the final twilight was upon New York.

The New Yorker

I looked down at my lap to read the directions I had written out and found myself, probably unconsciously responding to the taillights of the red beast, braking hard.

The New Yorker

There is dust around the van's taillights.

The New Yorker

Still, after several minutes of smooth driving, red taillights suddenly blinked ahead and our speedometer fell into the teens.

The New Yorker

He's still got his taillights on".

The New Yorker

I pull out and follow his taillights.

The New Yorker

Horizontal taillights sweep across the trunk lid to form a pattern like the graceful wingspread of a sea gull".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing vehicle features, use "taillights" to refer specifically to the rear lights that illuminate when the headlights are on or when braking. Use "brake lights" or "stop lights" for the lights activated only when braking.

Common error

Avoid using "taillights" when referring to the front lights of a vehicle. "Headlights" are at the front, while "taillights" are at the rear.

Linguistic Context

The noun "taillights" functions as a plural noun, typically referring to the rear lights of a vehicle. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is widely used and grammatically correct. It often serves as the subject or object in sentences describing vehicle features or traffic situations, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taillights" is a grammatically sound and frequently used plural noun referring to the rear lights of a vehicle. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The term is commonly found in contexts related to news, media, and encyclopedias. It is considered to have a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences. When writing, it's important to distinguish "taillights" from "headlights" and to use it appropriately when describing vehicle features or safety aspects. Related terms include "rear lights" and "brake lights".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rear lights

More general term; may include more than just the brake lights.

rear lamps

Synonymous; slightly more formal or technical.

tail lamps

Synonymous, common usage.

brake lights

Specific type of taillight that illuminates when braking.

stop lights

Another term for brake lights.

rear signal lights

Specifically indicates turn signals at the rear.

vehicle rear lighting

More technical and descriptive.

automobile rear lights

Specifies the vehicle type.

car's rear illumination

Focuses on the illumination aspect.

back lights of a car

Descriptive and less technical.

FAQs

What is the purpose of "taillights" on a vehicle?

The primary purpose of "taillights" is to increase visibility from the rear, especially during nighttime or low-light conditions, and to signal braking to other drivers.

What are some other terms used to describe "taillights"?

Synonyms include "rear lights", "rear lamps", or "tail lamps". The term "brake lights" refers specifically to the lights that illuminate when the brakes are applied.

Are "taillights" the same as brake lights?

"Taillights" generally refer to all the lights on the rear of a vehicle, including the brake lights. Brake lights, also known as "stop lights", are a specific type of "taillight" that only activates when the brakes are engaged.

What should I do if my "taillights" are not working?

If your "taillights" are not working, it's crucial to replace them promptly for safety. Driving with malfunctioning "taillights" can be dangerous and may violate traffic laws. Consult a mechanic or replace the bulbs yourself if you're comfortable doing so.