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.
The region’s 1,100 miles of shoreline outnumber its roads and traffic lights combined. Simon Davidson, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025 Similarly, Portuguese police asked locals to only travel if necessary, warning that street and traffic lights could collapse. Solcyré Burga, Time, 28 Apr. 2025 Spain’s Interior Ministry declared a state of emergency after a massive power outage hit Spain and Portugal on Monday, knocking out traffic lights and forcing the evacuation of subway systems in both countries, among other disruptions. Greg Norman , Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Parts of Barcelona and Lisbon were also affected by the outage, with public transport, traffic lights, and phone services mostly down, according to Bloomberg. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 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 4 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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