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 The system returns control to the driver when approaching a traffic light. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 13 June 2024 Both Chapman and Combs took to the stage clad in black, standing in place in front of a backlit wall of spotlights that almost, appropriately, resembled traffic lights. Audrey Gibbs, The Courier-Journal, 12 June 2024 Image Many roads and streets were impassable and traffic lights were not working across Houston. The New York Times, New York Times, 17 May 2024 Authorities employed a similar rationale nearly a decade ago to draw investment and create jobs; when Beijing gave local governments the authority to permit coal plants in 2014, a wave of new constructions ensued until the traffic light system instituted in 2016 slowed the boom. Michael R. Davidson, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for traffic light 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'traffic light.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near traffic light

Cite this Entry

“Traffic light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20light. Accessed 21 Jun. 2024.

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

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