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

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

Metro is testing millimeter wave technology at several light-rail stations.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2025

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

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