A traffic light is the signal that tells traffic when to stop and go. Red, amber, green, in that order and back again.
Britain adds amber between red and green on the way up, which most countries do not, and it exists so drivers can prepare to move. The first one was installed outside Parliament in 1868 and exploded, injuring the policeman operating it. Modern junctions are linked so a whole route can be kept green, which is what a green wave means. The word is often shortened to lights.
1nountraffic lightA signal controlling traffic with coloured lights.
“Turn left at the second traffic light.”
Practised in In the City, A Man Called Ove
First appears in chapter 4 of A Man Called Ove.
Practise this word