green light

noun

: authority or permission to proceed

green-light

ˈgrēn-ˌlīt 

transitive verb

Synonyms of green light

• permission
• authorization
• consent
• granting
• sanction
• permit

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

The Chicago Bulls rookie didn’t need much space — a single step, a half-second of clearance from his defender — to see a bright green light. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

In another, Kloak is a handsomely angular man with eyes downcast, ghost-green light blooming from his chest. — Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Superconductivity is to electrical power as empty roads and green lights are to a morning commute. — Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Police said Wade’s vehicle was eventually hit in an intersection by a vehicle that had a green light and crashed. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from the green traffic light which signals permission to proceed

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for green light

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight