traffic light

noun

1. a set of electrically operated signal lights used to direct or control traffic at intersections.

traffic light

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of traffic light¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

The so-called "traffic light" coalition led by the chancellor has governed Germany since 2021.

From BBC

A three-way traffic light system would operate outside those hours so the road could be used.

From BBC

The court also heard that a woman driving behind the van as it stopped at a traffic light had seen a man in a white T-shirt and “pale pink gloves” roll out from underneath.

From BBC

Since then, the FDA has assessed several front-of-package label options, including a “Traffic Light” system that would use red, yellow and green color codes to denote the levels of sugars, sodium and saturated fats in certain food products.

From Salon

They will be judged as a litmus test of public opinion, a year out from federal elections where few are predicting that this traffic light coalition experiment can – or will – be repeated.

From BBC

Related Words

• red light
• stoplight
• traffic control
• yellow light