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

Tsudik says ambiguous squares, such as those containing just a sliver of a bicycle or traffic light, are judged in part by how other people have labeled the same image.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

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

Black boxes monitor driving habits and can provide a weekly rating graded using a traffic light colour scheme.

From BBC ● May 14, 2026

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

She moves so slowly she’s practically rolling, and every traffic light and stop sign seem to surprise her.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli

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Related Words

• red light
• stoplight
• traffic control
• yellow light

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