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

Why Charlotte takes years to install traffic lights There isn’t a hard timeline for traffic signals, according to the city. — Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026

When a power outage knocked out a third of San Francisco’s traffic lights last December, at least 60 Waymos abruptly idled mid-road, causing severe gridlock and delays. — Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026

Eric Taylor was at the traffic light on Reisterstown Road at Old Court Road when the bus came barreling toward him on July 8. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Sullivan lives in a small fishing town called Petersburg where there’s no traffic lights and no big-box stores. — Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for traffic light

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Kids Definition

traffic light

noun

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