often attributive
: a means of urban railway transportation using trolley cars

Examples of light-rail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Additionally, some riders were concerned about the crowded atmosphere on the light-rail trains. Ekasha Sikka, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 In Houston, where fans can take the city’s light-rail system, two of the relevant lines run only once every 12 minutes. Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 13 May 2026 Two years before, Charlotte had installed a light-rail system connecting the south side of I-485 to Uptown. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026 Tier 2 zoning — which includes light-rail lines such as the A, C, E and K lines, as well as bus routes with dedicated lanes — allows for five- to eight-story buildings. Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for light-rail

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of light-rail was in 1975

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Cite this Entry

“Light-rail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light-rail. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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