sign language
Americannoun
-
Also called sign. any of several visual-gestural systems of communication, especially employing manual gestures, as used among deaf people.
-
any means of communication, as between speakers of different languages, using gestures.
noun
-
another word for signing
-
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.
Anthony, a Belfast-based sports coach, and his wife, Kristina, who is a registered language interpreter, brought their three children up using sign language.
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026
Northern Ireland will become the first part of the UK to provide free sign language classes to all deaf children and their families, through a new sign language law being passed on Tuesday.
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026
The act also created a duty for the government to report on progress towards greater promotion and use of sign language in government communication with the public.
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
An American woman in it'd taught chimpanzees to speak in sign language.
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
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.
