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• light-rail
  light-rail

  adjective

  of or relating to a local rail rapid-transit system using large, single passenger cars, railroad-type signals, and, usually, private rights-of-way.
• light rail
  light rail

  noun

  a transport system using small trains or trams, often serving parts of a large metropolitan area

light-rail

American  

[lahyt-rayl] / ˈlaɪtˌreɪl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a local rail rapid-transit system using large, single passenger cars, railroad-type signals, and, usually, private rights-of-way.

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light rail British  

noun

1. a transport system using small trains or trams, often serving parts of a large metropolitan area

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Etymology

Origin of light-rail

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

light-rail light rail

The neighborhood is close to downtown and Johns Hopkins Hospital, where Miller works, and to subway, light-rail and train stations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026

Denver, Colo., prohibits self-storage facilities near light-rail stations, where officials are hoping for new housing, while Providence, R.I., instituted a city-wide moratorium in 2023.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 15, 2026

Our cellphone and internet plans are half-price, as is the light-rail fare we mentioned earlier and the admission price at cinemas.

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 2, 2026

For several hours on Monday, the strike delayed some flight departures at Ben Gurion international airport, curtailed some nonemergency hospital services, and temporarily shut down light-rail systems in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2024

Seven years after the Sound Transit 3 tax measure, the light-rail map is finally taking shape in West Seattle, where transit staff recently showed off new diagrams at in-person and online open houses.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 12, 2023

The data release also covers the London Underground, trams, metros and other light rail services.

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026

“By carefully choosing our location, 90% of our daily needs are within a 10-minute stroll. Otherwise, we take taxis with an average fare of $2.50 or ride Cuenca’s light rail for 17 cents.”

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 7, 2026

“Today we can say all aboard on what will be the highest ridership light rail in the country, easier commutes, less smog, more access to housing.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 26, 2026

The K Line northern extension underground light rail project, which the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 24, 2026

I ask you if you will warrant the removal of locomotive engines because they are made 100 tons heavier and would break the light rail made 40 years ago?

From Address by Honorable William C. Redfield, Secretary of Commerce at Conference of Regional Chairmen of the Highway Transport Committee Council of National Defense by United States. Council of National Defense. Highway Transport Committee