American Sign Language

noun

1. a visual-gesture language, having its own semantic and syntactic structure, used by deaf people in the U.S. and English-speaking parts of Canada. ASL

American sign language

noun

1. See Ameslan

Word History and Origins

Origin of American Sign Language¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Jones is well acquainted with heavy prep work — for “CODA,” she learned American Sign Language to play the only hearing member of the Rossi family and how to fish.

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement, an unidentified senior Department of Homeland Security official said medical staff provided Diaz “with a communications board and an American Sign Language interpreter.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I was shocked at what was happening to me,” Diaz said through an American Sign Language interpreter.

From Los Angeles Times

“Such information must be provided not only through captioning but also in American Sign Language.”

From Salon

Audiences of an upcoming Los Angeles revival of the Green Day musical — performed simultaneously in spoken English and American Sign Language — will see Otis Jones IV planted on a sofa, his hands signing with a palpable frustration, and James Olivas running in circles, belting out the ballad with an audible angst.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ASL 
• Ameslan