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.
Like Tamarack, Cannon is a three-way intersection with traffic lights. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025 By 3:00 pm, the electricity supply had been partially restored, with traffic lights working again and some shops operating with minimal power. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025 Spain And Portugal Blackout Causes Airport And Traffic Disruption By Jordan King US News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 3 Spain, Portugal and parts of south-west France were all hit by a mass blackout on Monday, shutting down flights, trains, traffic lights and offices. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 But in the interim, residents are experiencing traffic delays as traffic lights stopped functioning, the shutdown of nearby grocery stores, and other disruptions. Solcyré Burga, Time, 28 Apr. 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 17 Jun. 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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