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.
Michelle Mickey Daly The state patrol said the traffic light then hit the commercial vehicle. Wcco Staff, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 The idea of a traffic light or pedestrian crosswalk on Mallard Creek Road was also being discussed with the developer and CDOT. Desiree Mathurin april 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026 The city of Gary also received $2 million from NIPSCO for streetlight replacement, which the city plans to use for traffic light repair. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 Outside, the street was now clogged with driverless cars, their high beams on, in confusion, in paralysis, lacking any traffic lights to tell them what to do. Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Traffic light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20light. Accessed 27 Apr. 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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster