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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

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

More entrances to the complex were created, including an underground portal to the 7th Street/Metro Center light-rail station.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2025

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