headlights

head-lights · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The main lights at the front of a vehicle, used to illuminate the road ahead.

  2. 2.

    (informal) The high-beam setting of vehicle headlights.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    like a deer in headlights — frozen with fear or shock; unable to react
  • •
    flash one's headlights — to briefly turn headlights on and off as a signal

Related words

Antonyms: taillights
See also: car, headlight, taillights, vehicle
Synonyms: front lights, headlamps

Etymology

A compound word from head (referring to the front) and lights. First used in the late 19th century with the advent of motorized vehicles.