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 of green light

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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.
The automaker has installed 55 cameras and 100 flashing green lights at its Detroit facilities. — Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 27 Aug. 2026 For Coates, who serves as Twitter’s new general counsel and previously worked in the same role during the pre-Musk era, the judge’s words were enough to serve as a green light. — Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 These particles efficiently scatter the blue and green light while letting red and orange wavelengths pass through, creating the uncanny feeling of an all-day sunset. — Michael A. Robinson, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 Purple, presents a particular challenge since producing the color requires absorbing green light. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026 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

greenlet
green light
greenling
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Green light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20light. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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