traffic light

American  

noun

• traffic lights
  plural

1. a set of electrically operated signal lights used to direct or control traffic at intersections.

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traffic light British  

noun

1. one of a set of coloured lights placed at crossroads, junctions, etc, to control the flow of traffic. A red light indicates that traffic must stop and a green light that it may go: usually an amber warning light is added between the red and the green

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• traffic lights
  plural

Etymology

Origin of traffic light

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

traffic light

In another clip obtained by The Times, one individual with a Spider-Man mask was seen climbing a traffic light before leading the crowd in a chant: “USA, USA, USA.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2026

Seven months ago, a self-driving Waymo made an illegal U-turn at a traffic light right in front of police officers in San Bruno.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2026

Drivers in England will be able to see how local authorities are tackling roads riddled with potholes via a new mapping tool and traffic light rating system.

From BBC ● Jan. 10, 2026

Indian home minister Amit Shah said the blast occurred around 7 p.m. in a Hyundai i20 car at a traffic light near the Red Fort.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 10, 2025

Often the sea wind made its single traffic light flail from side to side or caused the town’s electrical power to flicker out and stay out for days.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Related Words

• red light
• stoplight
• traffic control
• yellow light