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

"A broad traffic light assessment of the public finances would make governments' multiple objectives – and the associated trade-offs faced – much more transparent and explicit," she said.

From BBC ● Feb. 18, 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

On one occasion, I was driving in town and I stopped at a traffic light.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• red light
• stoplight
• traffic control
• yellow light