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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

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

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

Mike will continue to focus on these key questions as the plans for future light-rail lines move forward.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 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

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

The store is a short walk from the Culver City light rail station and bus lines, he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 18, 2026

These opinions are based on certain cases in the colonies, where it was thought fit to adopt a light rail weighing about 18 lb. to 27 lb. per yard, and keeping the old normal gauge.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 446, July 19, 1884 by Various