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 While there might not be a sign preventing a U-turn at a stop sign, California law says drivers can only make a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights. Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 26 Mar. 2024 For example, bridge cameras and sensors can be used to track when a cargo ship heads off course and communicate with traffic lights and gates at bridge entrances. Ben Finley, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2024 Caterers were combined with traffic lights, volcanoes spit out sparks, and eaters ate gliders. Alex Stone, Quanta Magazine, 18 Jan. 2024 With many traffic lights still out of order, soldiers directed motorists, some driving with shattered windshields, through the busier intersections. Diana Durán, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2023 At the best of times in China these road users are unpredictable, usually paying scant regard for traffic lights, road regulations, or their own safety. Mark Andrews, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2024 Officers determined that the driver of the SUV went through the intersection against a red traffic light and collided with the rear portion of the bus, according to police. Jason Green, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 It is serviced by regular flights from the archipelago's capital, Nassau, but has no major resorts and its roads are so quiet, there are no traffic lights. The Week Uk, theweek, 28 Jan. 2024 The series begins with a traffic safety community meeting on Jan. 18 where the city will seek input about a proposal to increase safety for motorists and students by placing a roundabout and traffic light on W. Bobier Drive between N. Santa Fe Avenue and W. Knapp Drive. Lauren J. Mapp, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'traffic light.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of traffic light was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near traffic light

Cite this Entry

“Traffic light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20light. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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

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