sign language
Americannoun
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Also called sign. any of several visual-gestural systems of communication, especially employing manual gestures, as used among deaf people.
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any means of communication, as between speakers of different languages, using gestures.
noun
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another word for signing
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any system of communication by manual signs or gestures
Etymology
Origin of sign language
First recorded in 1840–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The SNP's Karen Adam, carer to her deaf father, made her statement in sign language.
From BBC • May 14, 2026
It provided legal recognition of British sign language as a language in England, Scotland and Wales, but does not automatically provide free, universally accessible language classes for all families.
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026
The Republic of Ireland passed legislation in 2017, providing for the recognition of Irish Sign Language, its use in legal proceedings and the provision of interpretation into sign language by public bodies.
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026
The first hurdle if he ends up staying in Colombia, is that he and his mother will have to learn Colombian sign language, which differs from American sign language.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026
She demanded to know if anyone ever tried to teach her sister sign language.
From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
