traffic stop

noun

plural traffic stops
: an instance of police stopping a driver (as for speeding or a broken taillight)
She was pulled over for a routine traffic stop.
an officer making a traffic stop

Examples of traffic stop 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.
An officer attempted a traffic stop, but police said the driver fled and a pursuit ensued. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The broader investigation was prompted following a traffic stop in Center City on June 19. — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Five people are facing charges after a traffic stop following a funeral in Boynton Beach, as new video raises questions about the force used during the arrests. — Paige Meyer, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 The Missouri Highway Patrol is investigating a Sunday morning police shooting that occurred during a traffic stop in Kansas City’s midtown. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for traffic stop

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of traffic stop was in 1953

Rhymes for traffic stop

See All Rhymes for traffic stop

Browse Nearby Words

traffic signal
traffic stop
traffic stopper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Traffic stop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20stop. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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