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.
Prosecutors said the woman tried to get out of the vehicle, but James grabbed her and sped away, running stop signs and red traffic lights before getting onto a freeway. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 18 Feb. 2025 Since the project started the city has already changed to the timing of traffic lights in the area, allowing a right turn on red at Green Bay and Deerpath, offering limited additional free parking at nearby lots and putting up signs stating businesses are open. Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025 The Jeep hit a 2009 Hyundai Sonata that was waiting at a traffic light. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2025 For the first time, truckers and tourists alike could drive the entire 110 miles from Miami to Fort Pierce without encountering a traffic light, shaving at least 90 minutes and more than 100 signals off the same trip along U.S. Highway 1. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025 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 5 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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