signal

[sig-nl]

noun

1. anything that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like, such as a light, a gesture, an act, etc.: a signal to leave.

   a traffic signal;

   a signal to leave.

   Synonyms: sign

2. anything agreed upon or understood as the occasion for concerted action.

3. an act, event, or the like that causes or incites some action.

   The unjust execution was the signal for revolt.

4. a token; indication.

   Synonyms: sign

5. Electronics.,  an electrical quantity or effect, as current, voltage, or electromagnetic waves, that can be varied in such a way as to convey information.

6. Cards.,  a play that reveals to one's partner a wish that they continue or discontinue the suit led.

adjective

1. serving as a token or indication; used in communiating an intention, warning, or command.

   a signal flag.

2. unusual; notable; outstanding.

   a signal exploit.

   Synonyms: striking, remarkable, exceptional, unique

verb (used with object)

signaled, signaling , signalled, signalling .

1. to make a token or indication to.

2. to communicate or make known by a token or indication.

verb (used without object)

signaled, signaling , signalled, signalling .

1. to make communication by something that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like.

signal

/ ˈsɪɡnəl /

noun

1. any sign, gesture, token, etc, that serves to communicate information

2. anything that acts as an incitement to action

   the rise in prices was a signal for rebellion

3. 1. a variable parameter, such as a current or electromagnetic wave, by which information is conveyed through an electronic circuit, communications system, etc

   2. the information so conveyed

   3. ( as modifier )

      signal strength

      a signal generator

adjective

1. distinguished or conspicuous

2. used to give or act as a signal

verb

1. to communicate (a message, etc) to (a person)

signal

1. A fluctuating quantity or impulse whose variations represent information. The amplitude or frequency of voltage, current, electric field strength, light, and sound can be varied as signals representing information.

Other Word Forms

• signaller noun
• signaler noun
• presignal noun
• resignal verb
• unsignaled adjective
• unsignalled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of signal¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English noun from Old French seignal, signal, from Medieval Latin signāle, Late Latin, noun use of neuter of signālis “of a sign”; sign, -al ², -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of signal¹

C16: from Old French seignal, from Medieval Latin signāle, from Latin signum _sign

Example Sentences

The potential this opera signals is for a major cultural change for San Francisco.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This period is notable for rising efficiency in how signals move both within individual regions and across the whole brain.

Read more on Science Daily

These cases involve disruptions in the synapse, the tiny site where one neuron passes a signal to another.

Read more on Science Daily

The main driver of Monday’s fall was a signal from Japan’s central bank that a rate hike was more likely.

Read more on Barron's

The potential buy—the main driver for Jiangxi’s Monday share gains—signals the miner’s long-term commitment to resource expansion, she says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• alarm 
• beacon 
• cue 
• gesture 
• indicator 
• sign