green light

noun

: 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.
The official green light follows weeks of speculation about a potential return of The Comeback, including chatter about a mini-room for the project this spring. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 27 June 2025 One such provision that received a green light from MacDonough was a revised plan to push some of the costs of food assistance benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program onto states. June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025 Most insects can see ultraviolet, blue and green light, but there is wide variety among arthropods; mantis shrimp eyes have up to 12 different channels of color, revealing the ultraviolet spectrum and polarized light. Molly Herring, Quanta Magazine, 27 June 2025 Anthony Wright, the executive director of the consumer health advocacy group Families USA, agreed that the move will likely serve as a green light for other states to try to impose similar restrictions. Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 26 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Green light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20light. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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