First recorded in 1960–65
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The children were thriving, learning American Sign Language and unbothered by their deafness.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026
Disney Animation announced Wednesday that “Songs in Sign Language,” comprised of three musical numbers from recent Disney movies newly reimagined in American Sign Language, will debut April 27 in honor of National Deaf History Month.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 4, 2026
Although a few chimps understand and can communicate using basic American Sign Language, caregivers often have difficulty figuring out the meaning of other behaviors.
From Salon ● Jun. 5, 2024
Translation services will be available at the sessions in American Sign Language, Amharic, Cantonese, Spanish and Vietnamese, according to the district.
From Seattle Times ● May 16, 2024
Ever since I met her, we’ve been communicating primarily through American Sign Language.
From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer
Four of those killed belonged to the deaf community, Sauschuck said, asking television cameras to include the American sign language interpreter at the press conference in their frames.
From Reuters ● Oct. 28, 2023
But the school is international baccalaureate certified, offers 29 A.P. courses and has American sign language, which excited Isabella.
From New York Times ● Nov. 27, 2021
The blockbuster hit “A Quiet Place” was the first open-caption movie to be shown at the Majestic in Meridian just under a year ago, prompted by the Boise State University American sign language program.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 3, 2019
No new studies are starting, and the chimpanzees and orangutans taught American sign language in the 70s are nearing the end of their lives.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 14, 2016
Once, during a John Lee Hooker show, Lebrun began projecting a giant image of a Native American chief in full headdress demonstrating Native American sign language while Hooker played "Born Under a Bad Sign."
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 18, 2014
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.
