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

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

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

From Urban securing his own home in Nashville to Kidman applying for residency in Portugal, here are some hints that seem to have signaled a split was looming.

From Los Angeles Times

Prior to that, it accused the Israeli military of "intentionally damaging ship communications, in an attempt to block distress signals and stop the livestream of their illegal boat boarding".

From BBC

BBC Sport assesses the record-breaking takeover, what it means and whether it signals a change in strategy or a general diversification of PIF's business interests.

From BBC

The signals of a weakening economy may still be only faintly felt by most Americans — and most sharply by lower-income households — but they’re no secret to business leaders.

From Los Angeles Times

Colbert started playing along by unbuttoning his blazer and saying “f— that” to a signal that he only had a minute left in the segment.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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