Traffic lights are sets of red, amber, and green lights at the places where roads meet. They control the traffic by signalling when vehicles have to stop and when they can go. Traffic lights can also be referred to as a traffic light.
traffic light in British English
or traffic signal
noun
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
traffic light in American English
traffic signal
US
a mechanical device consisting of a set of signal lights operating in sequence (usually green to yellow to red and back), placed at intersections to regulate traffic
Examples of 'traffic light' in a sentence
traffic light
I had been caught going through a traffic light on the change.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Almost a fifth have roared through traffic lights on amber to get to their destinations faster.
The Sun (2011)
They stopped at a traffic light while driving to the funeral.
Christianity Today (2000)
The others must turn off their engines until the traffic lights are green.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He flopped in his test after going through a traffic light as it changed.
The Sun (2007)
Turning right on a red traffic light is another tricky test.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
So he waited until the vehicle stopped at traffic lights before opening the door and sprinting away.
The Sun (2006)
Look for products with a green traffic light for sugar on the packet.
The Sun (2013)
Coast up to traffic lights and stop signs.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
This earns itself a green traffic light symbol for calories and is comparable to having a healthy cheese.
The Sun (2013)
The momentum of the traffic light removal movement may be too much to stop, though.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Local drivers blame a new set of traffic lights, although experts say this is unlikely.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We'd gone through some traffic lights when he should have stopped.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
I almost always stop at traffic lights on red.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The most rebellious thing that happened was when he drove through a traffic light on amber... a crazy night indeed.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Traffic lights are one thing.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
More than 30 years ago in Nairobi many city traffic lights would flash amber at night.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Under the government's new traffic light scheme, it would push the product from an amber light for fat content to a red light.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
In other languages
traffic light
British English: traffic light NOUN
Traffic lights are coloured lights that control the flow of traffic.