green light

noun

: authority or permission to proceed
green-light transitive verb

Examples of green light in a Sentence

we were given the green light to use the town commons for our fund-raiser
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.
Prime Video has confirmed a series green light for Carrie, a TV series based on the Stephen King novel. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 Businesses also might see it as a green light to lower accessibility standards or avoid making necessary accommodations altogether, advocates said. Kenya Hunter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025 Catch up quick: Wells Fargo got the city's green light last year to hang two huge signs spelling out the bank's name atop 550 South Tryon St., formerly known as the Duke Energy Center or the giant martini glass. Alexandria Sands, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025 Nonprofit in fight with commissioner gets green light on county funding in Miami-Dade Jones said he’s been trying to get Hardemon’s support for extensions to allow the construction plans to remain viable. Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for green light

Word History

Etymology

from the green traffic light which signals permission to proceed

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of green light was in 1937

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Green light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20light. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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