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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-reyl] / 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

Claude became an unofficial mascot for the City by the Bay, where he appeared on billboards and advertisements at bus and light-rail stations.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 3, 2025

Each project has been both grand and difficult, but like the light-rail system that ultimately will cross Lake Washington, they are adding to the crown jewels of our region.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 22, 2023

“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

The K Line expansion is part of a massive wave of investment in L.A’s light rail system.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 24, 2026

NJ Transit suspended bus, light rail and paratransit services Sunday evening and said rail service would halt by 9 p.m.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 23, 2026

New Jersey Transit is suspending bus, light rail, and access link service starting at 6 p.m.

From Barron's ● Feb. 22, 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