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.
Police said the truck and car then collided with two other vehicles stopped at the traffic light. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 2025 The crash sent the motorcycle into a Kia SUV that was stopped at a traffic light on Unqua Road, police said. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025 In San Juan, traffic lights failed, businesses shuttered, and families scrambled to preserve food and care for loved ones. Dan Eberhart, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 There, Justine leads a team of gifted young hackers, all on the spectrum, who help Wolff do everything from spying on private citizens to hacking traffic lights. Mike Miller, EW.com, 25 Apr. 2025 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 13 May. 2025.

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

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!