often attributive
1
a(1)
: the vehicles, pedestrians, ships, or planes moving along a route
(2)
: congestion of vehicles
stuck in traffic
(3)
: the movement (as of vehicles or pedestrians) through an area or along a route
b
: the information or signals transmitted over a communications system : messages
2
: the volume of customers visiting a business establishment
restaurant traffic
3
a
: the passengers or cargo carried by a transportation system
b
: the business of transporting passengers or freight
4
a
: import and export trade
b
: the business of bartering or buying and selling
c
: illegal or disreputable usually commercial activity
the drug traffic
5
a
: communication or dealings especially between individuals or groups
b
: exchange
… a lively traffic in ideas …—F. L. Allen
6
: a concentration of participants or players and especially defensive players
force difficult shots in traffic
see also:
trafficked; trafficking
1
: to carry on traffic
1
a
: to travel over
heavily trafficked highways
b
: to visit as a customer
a highly trafficked bookstore
trafficker
noun
Cite this Entry
“Traffic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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