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 Getting there: Aspen Creek trailhead: From Courthouse Square in Prescott, go 1 mile south on Montezuma Street (turns into State Route 89/White Spar Road) to the traffic light at Copper Basin Road. Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 26 Sep. 2024 The Camry ran a red traffic light at 10th Street and continued westbound through the intersection, over the Interstate 43 overpass. Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 16 Sep. 2024 Friction point: The inclusion of elements like new sidewalks and synchronized traffic lights is key to the O'Connell plan's sales pitch in a city where most people never ride the bus. Nate Rau, Axios, 24 July 2024 The project will replace the four-lane roadway on both sides of the major thoroughfare and replace existing northbound and southbound bridges over Brickhouse Gully in addition to replacing water lines and existing sewer lines, upgrading storm drains and installing new traffic lights. Janet Miranda, Chron, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for traffic light 

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 3 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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