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.
Sullivan lives in a small fishing town called Petersburg where there’s no traffic lights and no big-box stores. — Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 These cameras detect vehicles that enter an intersection after a traffic light has turned red, triggering the camera to capture a video of the violation and an image of the license plate, according to the company's website. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026 Witnesses told police that the motorcycle then entered the intersection while the traffic light was red and collided with another vehicle. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Haddish was arrested by Peachtree City police in January 2022 after officers received a 911 call about a driver who had reportedly fallen asleep behind the wheel at a traffic light, authorities previously told PEOPLE. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 12 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 18 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on traffic light

Nglish: Translation of traffic light for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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