running light

noun

: any of the lights carried by a vehicle (such as a ship or automobile) that indicate size, position, or course

Examples of running light 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.
Wing-like daytime running lights run from the fenders inboard above slim headlights. — Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025 More obvious are the new treatments for the front and rear, with a full-width daylight running light at the front and a full-width rear light. — Ars Technica, 10 Jan. 2025 Safety regulations were made as a result of the tragedy, including smoke detectors in the lavatory and running lights on the floors. — Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Mar. 2026 The camera is hung below the craft — which the students were required by federal regulation to equip with running lights — and angled slightly forward to operate in natural light. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 1 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for running light

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of running light was in 1863

Rhymes for running light

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Browse Nearby Words

running knot
running light
running line
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Cite this Entry

“Running light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/running%20light. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

running light

noun
: any of the lights on a vehicle (as a ship) that show size, position, or direction

More from Merriam-Webster on running light

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about running light

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