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.
Other experts are worried that doctors and patients will misread the FDA’s action as a green light to use hormones in all women. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025 In New York, then, Curry had a neon green light. The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025 Then, on 11/11, Jupiter begins its retrograde in Cancer, activating your communication and mindset zone — and that’s a big cosmic green light to slow your roll and listen more deeply. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 9 Nov. 2025 Even the attachments are more impressive, like the Fluffy optic cleaner head, which now has a brighter green light to illuminate invisible dust on hardwood floors. PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!