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Synonyms

American Sign Language

American  

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 British  

noun

  1. See Ameslan

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of American Sign Language

First recorded in 1960–65

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.

See Examples For:

Her father, Joshua Hottle, first shared news of her death in American Sign Language in a tearful video posted to Facebook.

From Barron's Jul. 21, 2026

Her father, Joshua Hottle, posted a video statement via Facebook, using American Sign Language to confirm details of her death.

From BBC Jul. 21, 2026

The children were thriving, learning American Sign Language and unbothered by their deafness.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 23, 2026

Both films are subtitled and in American Sign Language, turning the table on hearing viewers.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 10, 2025

Ever since I met her, we’ve been communicating primarily through American Sign Language.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

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

Actor Daniel Durant will perform the national anthem in American sign language.

From Seattle Times Jan. 18, 2024

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

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

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