traffic sign

American  

[traf-ik sahyn] / ˈtræf ɪk ˌsaɪn /

noun

1. a road sign, especially one carrying information intended to ensure the safe and smooth movement of vehicles, such as speed limits, parking and lane restrictions, the presence of crosswalks, etc..

   The website explains traffic signs and rules, such as the rules for right of way.

   Bike lanes are clearly indicated by street markings and blue traffic signs.

---

Etymology

Origin of traffic sign

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Many truckers quit the industry after the introduction of enhanced English proficiency tests, where highway inspectors check for language proficiency and highway traffic sign competency.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2025

When you read — a book, a traffic sign, a billboard, this article — how much do you really notice the letters?

From New York Times • Feb. 28, 2024

In the hours after the sign was taken down, the Met said a new traffic sign was put up to avoid endangering road users.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2024

And in one instance, a metal traffic sign directing drivers toward Interstate 75 got crushed by an electronic traffic sign warning drivers about a closed lane.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 29, 2022

The traffic sign book gave him “walk” and the umpire book gave him “out.”

From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein