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.
The baton came back to him once Paramount Plus gave a green light to The Challenge: All Stars, and OGs like himself were given a second shot at glory. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025 The network has given a green light to On Brand with Jimmy Fallon. Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025 The Supreme Court gives Trump a green light — for now. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 11 Apr. 2025 In effect, the court has given Trump a green light in his quest to aggressively overhauling the federal government, at least for now. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 10 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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