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

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

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

Years ago, the city handled firestorms over displacement by seeding a $50 million Rainier Valley Community Development Fund before light-rail construction, and offering merchants $650,000 during a Central Area road rebuild.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 12, 2023

As The Times reported, the only light-rail restrooms in Seattle, at Northgate, got so battered after opening in 2021 that Sound Transit closed them for renovations this summer.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 16, 2023