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.
The disturbing video obtained by WBAL shows a blue Amazon truck stopped at a traffic light before pulling forward as the light changed. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025 The traffic lights and pedestrian crossing signals were reflected in the wet pavement. James Barron, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025 Cars were flipped over, traffic lights and lamp posts were torn down, and there were even unconfirmed reports of explosions. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025 The move is considered a procedural step that will ultimately pave the way to new elections following the collapse of the traffic light coalition government last month. Sam Meredith,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024 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 Mar. 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
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