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

"I feel like someone standing at a traffic light, and then it turns green."

From BBC

The once spectacular coastline had seemingly morphed overnight — an apocalyptic transformation, decades in the making, seen with stark clarity now that orange caution tape and makeshift traffic lights mark what’s left of the shore.

From Los Angeles Times

“Trees are not some cosmetic thing, some ornament. They’re also critical infrastructure, like traffic signs and traffic lights. They have tremendous value for the health and safety of the community.”

From Los Angeles Times

"They came along, put traffic lights on, dug a hole, scratched their heads and went away and it's been pouring out ever since."

From BBC

Euan Johnston, 26, was targeted while he sat in his car at the traffic lights on Scotland Street in Glasgow in November 2016 and died from his injuries.

From BBC

Related Words

• red light 
• stoplight 
• traffic control www.thesaurus.com
• yellow light