traffic light

American  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of traffic light

First recorded in 1925–30

Related Words

• red light
• stoplight
• traffic control
• yellow light