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.
This is your green light to expand and explore new horizons, Sagittarius! Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 May 2025 The production is spearheaded by director Danya Taymor, fresh off her Tony win for Best Musical for The Outsiders, who keeps John Proctor moving at a steady clip — although its dialogue is so engrossing that its 105 minute runtime breezes by in the blink of a green light. EW.com, 15 Apr. 2025 There's plenty to tie up in this final episode, and with season four yet to get the official green light, there's a lot at stake in this epic finale. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 Along the boardwalk, a rhythmic, green light flashes on the outdoor CO2 detectors – a constant reminder that the area is not out of the woods yet. Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Green light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20light. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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