traffic signal

noun

: a signal (such as a traffic light) for controlling traffic

Examples of traffic signal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Could have been no lights, no traffic signals, real problems. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026 City Manager Micah Runner said there will be improvements like striping and traffic signals required for the project. — Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Other changes reflected in the final plan include the removal of 15 traffic signal posts that were initially proposed, and changes to the traffic circulation routes. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 The public safety power shurtoffs have led Simi Valley to issue a traffic alert, warning the community of impacts to multiple traffic signals. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for traffic signal

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of traffic signal was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Traffic signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traffic%20signal. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

traffic signal

noun
: a signal (as a traffic light) for controlling traffic

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