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 backstory There's not a single traffic light on the island, only one school for kindergarten through 12th grade, and 30 miles of paved roads—many lined with towering Cook Pine trees (resembling tall Christmas trees). Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026 Parking is off-site in the Navy parking lot east of the traffic light at Electron Drive and right off Catalina Boulevard. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026 The Maps update also highlights stop signs, traffic lights and lanes for a more accurate and helpful navigation experience. Charles Singh, USA Today, 18 May 2026 Many crashes happened while Tesla vehicles were stationary, waiting at traffic lights, stop signs or in slow traffic. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026 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 25 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

traffic light

noun
: a visual signal (as a system of green, yellow, and red lights) for controlling traffic

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