traffic light

American  

noun

• traffic lights
  plural

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

---

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

---

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

Speaking on state television, she said the group would determine who could return home using a colour-coded traffic light system to classify safety.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

A previous dress rehearsal highlighted the need for a new traffic light at a specific location to alleviate gridlock when military convoys move across the country.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 27, 2025

But for many of us, there can be some surprising signals—like a flashing yellow traffic light inside your head.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 19, 2025

When I open my eyes, we’re stopped at a traffic light and she’s looking at me with this admiring-ish grin on her face.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

Related Words

• red light
• stoplight
• traffic control
• yellow light