green light

noun

Synonyms of green lightnext
: authority or permission to proceed
green-light
ˈgrēn-ˌlīt How to pronounce green light (audio)
transitive verb

Synonyms

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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.
Netflix has given a green light to a movie reboot of the Stephen King novel Cujo, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. — Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025 The big picture: Opponents argue that moves like these give a green light for corporations to engage in all kinds of chicanery. — Emily Peck, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025 Reportedly, a driver was coming up to a busy intersection and had a green light to proceed straight ahead. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 However, doing so could also tarnish America's image as a safe place to do business, and also send a green light to corrupt autocrats ruling over impoverished people to get even richer. — CBS News, 12 Feb. 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

Rhymes for green light

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Browse Nearby Words

green light
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Cite this Entry

“Green light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20light. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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