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.
At the same time, the Roads and Transport Authority manages traffic lights in real-time for smoother travel. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2025 The police helicopter continued to follow, and officers saw Beebe drive into oncoming traffic and fail to stop at several traffic lights. Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2025 That may soon become a thing of the past thanks to a project underway with Oakland County and University of Michigan researchers that aims to retime traffic lights in much shorter time frames. Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 8 Nov. 2025 Reducing wait times at traffic lights Daniel de Visé covers personal finance for USA TODAY. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 6 Nov. 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 16 Nov. 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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