traffic signal

noun

: a signal (such as a traffic light) for controlling traffic

Examples of traffic signal in a Sentence

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.
Follow the rules of the road—and stay off your phone - Stick to speed limits, obey traffic signals, and never drive distracted. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 Construction is underway to update Metro’s G Line bus route in the San Fernando Valley — a project that relies on the city transportation agency to update traffic signals to favor Metro’s electric buses for faster service. Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025 The ruling means O'Connell's plan to improve bus service, build new sidewalks and modernize traffic signals in Nashville can continue. Nate Rau, Axios, 15 Apr. 2025 One if a bicyclist is in or near an adjacent crosswalk and the Zoox vehicle had a newly green traffic signal, the software may have reacted overcautiously and braked unnecessarily hard. David Shepardson, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for traffic signal

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of traffic signal was in 1893

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Traffic signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20signal. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

traffic signal

noun
: a signal (as a traffic light) for controlling traffic

More from Merriam-Webster on traffic signal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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