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 Cities are already awash in traffic lights and security cameras, what’s the use of the extra pair of eyes? Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2024 This project focuses on improving intersections, crossings, traffic lights and curbs. Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2024 The Milpitas Unified School District also received $500,000 for the installation of a traffic light and new sidewalk along Calaveras Boulevard between Park Victoria and Gadsen Drive. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2024 Super Cruise’s capabilities will remain the same, and the system won’t be able to handle any new driving scenarios, like traffic lights and four-way stops, said Jeff Miller, product manager for Super Cruise. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 15 Feb. 2024 Neighborhood roads are engineered to signal cars to slow down, with crosswalks, traffic lights, and narrower streets. Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 5 Feb. 2024 While there might not be a sign preventing a U-turn at a stop sign, California law says drivers can only make a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights. Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 26 Mar. 2024 For example, bridge cameras and sensors can be used to track when a cargo ship heads off course and communicate with traffic lights and gates at bridge entrances. Ben Finley, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2024 Caterers were combined with traffic lights, volcanoes spit out sparks, and eaters ate gliders. Alex Stone, Quanta Magazine, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'traffic light.' 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

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of traffic light was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near traffic light

Cite this Entry

“Traffic light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20light. Accessed 2 May. 2024.

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

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