blinker

1 of 2

noun

blink·​er ˈbliŋ-kər How to pronounce blinker (audio)
1
: one that blinks
especially : a light that flashes off and on as a warning or a signal
2
a
: blinder sense 1
b
: a cloth hood with shades projecting at the sides of the eye openings used on skittish racehorses
—usually used in plural
3
blinkers plural : blinder sense 2

blinker

2 of 2

verb

blinkered; blinkering; blinkers

transitive verb

: to put blinders on

Examples of blinker in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Not turning on your blinkers when turning could result in fines up to $200. — Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 15 Jan. 2026 The play-by-play man might shout out Mike Tomlin, the longtime coach and infrequent blinker. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
And perhaps this view is blinkered. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025 They are wedged together with fenders touching and emergency blinkers flashing, obstructing traffic in both directions. — Rachel Swan, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blinker

Word History

Etymology

Noun

blink entry 1 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blinker was in 1637

Rhymes for blinker

See All Rhymes for blinker

Browse Nearby Words

blink comparator
blinker
blinkered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blinker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blinker. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

blinker

noun
blink·​er
ˈbliŋ-kər
1
: one that blinks
especially : a blinking light used as a warning or for signaling
2
: blinder

More from Merriam-Webster on blinker

Nglish: Translation of blinker for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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