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.
Does Toboni have a green light for that kind of outlay this winter? David Aldridge, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 The sports-centric live TV streaming platform said its deal remains subject to a green light by government regulators. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025 The Prada Group has received the European Commission’s green light to acquire Versace. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025 Bates is a high-usage player who can create his own shot and shoots with an endless green light. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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