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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In 2018, Marks was identified as a person of interest in a wanton endangerment investigation after a woman reported to police that another driver cut her off and then cocked and pointed a handgun at her during a confrontation at a traffic light. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2024 The celebrations reportedly involved arson, property damage, and students scaling lamp posts and traffic lights. Violet Ikonomova, Detroit Free Press, 10 Oct. 2024 Video from outside a building in Daytona Beach shows strong gusts blowing trees and traffic lights as rain appears to fall in horizontal sheets. NBC News, 10 Oct. 2024 The cameras can be fixed onto poles, traffic lights, buildings or bridges and mobile cameras are frequently mounted on police cars. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 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

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 14 Nov. 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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