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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Kids need to know how to ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic in bike lanes if available, to stop at all intersections and before entering the street, to respect the same traffic signals cars do, and to use their hands to indicate turns. Dr. Phyllis Agran, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026 Police said the driver of the SUV failed to follow the traffic signal and charges are pending. Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026 Gibbel said trucks will enter and exit the property at a traffic traffic signal south of residential areas and will be prohibited from turning north onto Sanders. Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 There also will be new traffic signals at Ann Morrison Park Boulevard and Shoreline Drive along Americana, and a new rectangular rapid flashing beacon at the entrance to the firefighter memorial entrance for pedestrian crossing along Shoreline. Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 16 Apr. 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 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

traffic signal

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

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