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

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Etymology

Origin of traffic light

First recorded in 1925–30

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

traffic light

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

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

Under the new "traffic light system", Ofsted inspectors will use a five-point grading system, ranging from "urgent improvement" to "exceptional" to assess six areas of school performance.

From BBC ● Nov. 11, 2025

When the Range Rover rolls to a stop at a traffic light, Jus looks out his window to find the driver of a white Suburban—white dude, probably early fifties—giving him a dirty look.

From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone

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Related Words

• red light
• stoplight
• traffic control
• yellow light

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