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.
Ahead of the endorsement vote, Klobuchar supporters holding batons with flashing green lights dominated the convention floor. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026 The settlement has received the court’s preliminary approval, but is still awaiting a final green light. Connor Greene, Time, 27 May 2026 But the bigger point here is that quite often Disney will defend their green lights of franchise movies for the greater good of the ancillaries. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 May 2026 The fact that your deck convinced the board to green light the acquisition is an outcome. Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 24 May 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 31 May. 2026.

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