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 person killed in the crash, the driver of a Nissan Cube that was not involved in the chase and was struck while stopped at a traffic light, has not been publicly identified by police. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2026 Outside, even traffic lights weren’t working, Valeriya said. Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 2 Jan. 2026 Should any traffic lights be out because of a power outage, proceed into the intersection carefully and watch for oncoming traffic. Paula Wethington, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025 When Jackson stopped at a traffic light, investigators say Ratterree attempted to jump out of the car and was then allegedly shot by Jackson, the outlets reported. Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 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 8 Jan. 2026.

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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