green light

noun

Synonyms of green lightnext
: authority or permission to proceed
green-light
ˈgrēn-ˌlīt How to pronounce green light (audio)
transitive verb

Synonyms of green light

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Examples of green light in a Sentence

we were given the green light to use the town commons for our fund-raiser
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.
That alignment is your green light. — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 The fireworks sold by them are safe, sane and given a green light by the state fire marshal. — Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Margaret’s answer was a green light — with an asterisk. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026 Mounted atop the temporary wall were two sets of traffic lights, a pair of side-by-side green lights (currently off) and a set of red lights, now blinking. — Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for green light

Word History

Etymology

from the green traffic light which signals permission to proceed

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of green light was in 1937

Rhymes for green light

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Browse Nearby Words

greenlet
green light
greenling
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Cite this Entry

“Green light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20light. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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