green light

noun

Synonyms of green lightnext
: authority or permission to proceed
green-light transitive verb

Examples of green light in a Sentence

we were given the green light to use the town commons for our fund-raiser
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.
If the plan gets a green light, Monsanto would make annual payments for up to 21 years. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 25 June 2026 Even the attachments are more impressive, like the Fluffy optic cleaner head, which now has a brighter green light to illuminate invisible dust on hardwood floors. Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 23 June 2026 For consumers and logistics fleets who deferred major purchases out of fear that gas and diesel prices would remain permanently elevated, this stabilization acts as a powerful green light. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 22 June 2026 Margaret’s answer was a green light — with an asterisk. Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for green light

Word History

Etymology

from the green traffic light which signals permission to proceed

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of green light was in 1937

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Green light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20light. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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