light-rail

[ lahyt-reyl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a local rail rapid-transit system using large, single passenger cars, railroad-type signals, and, usually, private rights-of-way.

light rail

noun

1. a transport system using small trains or trams, often serving parts of a large metropolitan area

Word History and Origins

Origin of light-rail¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

For several hours on Monday, the strike delayed some flight departures at Ben Gurion international airport, curtailed some nonemergency hospital services, and temporarily shut down light-rail systems in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

From Los Angeles Times

The K Line extension is projected to serve upward of 85,000 daily riders — providing a ride from the South Bay/LAX area to lines extending into the the San Fernando Valley, which is expecting its own light-rail project to begin construction this year.

From Los Angeles Times

Including the suburbs, the greater Salt Lake Valley has a population of nearly 1.26 million, and a light-rail system that can drop suburbanites steps from the downtown stadium.

From Seattle Times

And state and federal funds given to the city ahead of its first Olympics left Salt Lake City with a light-rail system and world-class athletic facilities.

From Seattle Times

A 26-year-old man was shot and killed late Sunday on a light-rail train in downtown Seattle, police said.

From Seattle Times