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.
This wavelength range is particularly important because blue and blue-green light experiences lower attenuation in water than many other wavelengths, allowing energy and data to travel more efficiently through underwater environments. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026 The June 5 missive obtained by Deadline was responding to a White Paper the Teamsters submitted to the DOJ in March laying out concerns around the merger, which is awaiting a green light from the regulator. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 June 2026 Corfino has been working on the Fast & Furious coaster for about a decade as the project progressed from blue sky to green light. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 8 June 2026 Exile and resurrection in a red state may finally assure him a green light. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 8 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 13 Jun. 2026.

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