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.
After 27 years of the circular road reconfigurations without traffic lights or stop signs, Bryson wonders if drivers are finally adapting to roundabouts. — Susan Bromley, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Our three-color traffic light has a three-dimensional Hilbert space. — Quanta Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 PLCs are also employed to control prison security gates, in the timing of traffic light systems and in the activation of fire suppression systems. — Ramy Inocencio, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 Why Charlotte takes years to install traffic lights There isn’t a hard timeline for traffic signals, according to the city. — Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for traffic light

See All Rhymes for traffic light

Browse Nearby Words

traffic lane
traffic light
traffic management
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

traffic light

noun
: a visual signal (as a system of green, yellow, and red lights) for controlling traffic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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