traffic light

noun

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

traffic light

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of traffic light¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The logistics teams only breathe a sigh of relief once every street is clean, the traffic lights are returned, and the pageant of the parade is across the Lincoln Tunnel.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Everything fascinated him— street signs, traffic, traffic lights, speed bumps, speed limits, medians, fast-food restaurants, police cars, fire trucks.

Read more on Literature

Some call them a "traffic light system"; critics have likened them to Nando's spice cards.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• red light 
• stoplight 
• traffic control www.thesaurus.com
• yellow light