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.
Ravens, magpies and even common urban crows have demonstrated impressive feats of intelligence, from using traffic lights to crack nuts to remembering human faces and even holding grudges. Scott Travers, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 Davidson County voters will on Nov. 5 weigh in on a $3.1 billion transit referendum that would bring major change to the bus system streets, traffic lights, sidewalks and more. Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 13 Oct. 2024 In downtown Tampa early Thursday, fierce winds tore down traffic lights, ripped signs out of the ground and sent construction barricades flying across wet pavement. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024 Most restaurants and grocery stores in Sarasota were shuttered, a few wrecked cars and trucks were strewn about like toys, some traffic lights were working while others were completely gone and dozens of palm trees were snapped like twigs or reduced to splinters. Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 10 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 1 Jan. 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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