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 traffic lights flashed from red to green again. Catherine Porter, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Police said the Infiniti driver allegedly disregarded the traffic light and collided into the Audi. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025 But there's another category of techniques that focus on the processes computers use to run those AI models instead of the models themselves—akin to speeding a car up by timing the traffic lights better. Ars Technica, 24 Mar. 2025 Police said the truck and car then collided with two other vehicles stopped at the traffic light. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

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