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 school moved to its current location off Tyvola Road in 2020 and sits in a stretch where parents say there’s too much distance between stop signs and traffic lights. Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026 According to the Fort Worth Police Department, both vehicles exited at Meacham Boulevard, where an altercation occurred at the traffic light. Doug Myers, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026 The overpasses may still feature traffic lights where the street meets new on and off ramps from the highway. Kansas City Star, 28 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 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 5 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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