stop sign: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “stop sign” mean?
A red, octagonal road sign bearing the word 'STOP', which legally requires drivers to bring their vehicle to a complete halt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A red, octagonal road sign bearing the word 'STOP', which legally requires drivers to bring their vehicle to a complete halt.
Any signal or indicator that commands a cessation of movement or action, or a definitive point of prohibition. Can be used metaphorically in various contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The object itself is identical and the term is used identically. Minor differences may exist in associated terminology (e.g., 'give way' vs. 'yield' for other signs, but 'stop sign' is standard).
Connotations
Identical connotations of legal obligation and safety.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties due to universal road rules.
Grammar
How to Use “stop sign” in a Sentence
V + stop sign (e.g., see/ignore/obey the stop sign)Prep + stop sign (e.g., at/by the stop sign)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stop sign” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council will stop-sign the new junction next week.
American English
- The city stopped-signed the dangerous intersection.
adjective
British English
- The stop-sign regulations are clearly stated in the Highway Code.
American English
- He received a stop-sign violation ticket.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically: 'The budget cut was a stop sign for the new project.'
Academic
Rare except in urban planning or traffic engineering contexts.
Everyday
Predominant context: driving and road safety instructions.
Technical
Used in traffic engineering, driver's manuals, and law enforcement reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stop sign”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stop sign”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stop sign”
- Using 'stoplight' interchangeably (a stoplight is a traffic light).
- Misspelling as one word: 'stopsign'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'on the stop sign' instead of 'at the stop sign'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, legally a 'rolling stop' is a violation. The vehicle's wheels must cease rotating completely.
A stop sign requires a full stop. A yield sign requires you to slow down and give way to other traffic, but a full stop is only necessary if traffic conditions demand it.
The unique octagonal shape is designed for high recognisability, even from the back or if the sign is faded, ensuring safety.
Yes, it can metaphorically refer to any decisive signal to halt an activity or process (e.g., 'The negative feedback was a stop sign for his creative plans').
A red, octagonal road sign bearing the word 'STOP', which legally requires drivers to bring their vehicle to a complete halt.
Stop sign is usually neutral in register.
Stop sign: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɒp ˌsaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɑːp ˌsaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a red flag (metaphorical warning, not direct synonym)”
- “put the brakes on (metaphor for stopping)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
STOP has an 'O' in the middle, just like the octagonal shape of the sign.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A PHYSICAL BARRIER; RULES ARE RED LIGHTS/SIGNS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary legal requirement at a stop sign?