traffic signal

noun

: a signal (such as a traffic light) for controlling traffic

Examples of traffic signal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Placer County Sheriff’s Office said drivers should treat intersections with nonfunctional traffic signals as a four-way stop. Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026 Multiple traffic signals were also knocked out of service, while emergency crews worked throughout the night responding to calls for service and resetting numerous fire alarms. David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 June 2026 In July 2023, while serving as a Hialeah council member, Calvo was pulled over by a Hialeah Police officer for allegedly failing to stop at a traffic signal while driving a red Tesla, according to Hialeah Police Department records. Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026 Five traffic signals were also affected along 131st and LaGrange Road, 131st and Southwest Highway, 151st and Harlem Avenue, 143rd and Wolf Road and 153rd and West Avenue. Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for traffic signal

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of traffic signal was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Traffic signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20signal. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

traffic signal

noun
: a signal (as a traffic light) for controlling traffic

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