traffic light

noun

: a visual signal (such as a system of colored lights) for controlling traffic

Examples of traffic light in a Sentence

Take a left at the traffic light.
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 first-ever traffic lights were gas-lit, in London. Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 6 Aug. 2025 There were numerous bystanders in the area and people in vehicles stopped at a traffic light. Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 29 July 2025 Traffic impacts New traffic light: A new traffic signal was being installed at deadline for this story at 109 and Double Log Cabin Road, which is a three-way intersection. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025 Some traffic lights in Rogers were not functioning correctly Friday morning in connection with the storms, according to the Rogers Police Department. Arkansas Online, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for traffic light

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of traffic light was in 1912

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Traffic light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20light. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

traffic light

noun
: a visual signal (as a system of green, yellow, and red lights) for controlling traffic

More from Merriam-Webster on traffic light

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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