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 The impact caused a second collision, hitting 52-year-old Eckes, who was sitting on a concrete traffic signal island. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2024 The plan includes the replacement of traffic signals with roundabouts at as many as 12 intersections, although approvals for specific locations would require additional approvals from the Oceanside City Council and other local, regional and state agencies. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2024 But signs for Rivian Parkway at a new traffic signal on U.S. 278 had been removed Thursday. Jeff Amy, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 The project is located at the intersection of De Anza Boulevard and McClellan Road/Pacifica Drive and includes modification of the traffic signals, reconfiguration of the intersection layout and new bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2024 Dedicated traffic signals keep buses moving quickly through intersections. Eden Weingart, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2023 Its flagship product, ShotSpotter, is a gunshot-detection system that uses microphones mounted on traffic signals and light poles to detect and locate possible gunfire sounds. WIRED, 27 Sep. 2023 The project includes reconstruction of the road, installation of new sidewalks and shoulders to accommodate bicycles, new storm sewer, a new detention pond, new pavement markings and a new traffic signal at Speedway Drive. Journal Sentinel, 29 Feb. 2024 But in the last three months, Caltrans has begun construction on a new traffic signal synchronization project that allows the agency to remotely control traffic signals on the highway, synchronize their timing and adjust them to lower traffic speeds and reduce congestion. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'traffic signal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near traffic signal

Cite this Entry

“Traffic signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20signal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

traffic signal

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

More from Merriam-Webster on traffic signal

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