hand signal
Americannoun
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any gesture, usually prearranged, made with the hand in order to convey a message.
They communicated only with hand signals in order to maintain complete silence as they stalked the enemy.
There are many ways of indicating whose turn it is to speak, including the use of a hand signal by the leader, or a feather passed around the group.
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a conventional sign or motion made with the hand or arm, especially one of a set of such motions used by cyclists and drivers to indicate they are stopping, slowing, or turning left or right.
Using the correct hand signal will help other cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians know what you will be doing next.
If your vehicle’s turn signals are not working, use hand signals.
Etymology
Origin of hand signal
First recorded in 1835–45
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.
Included in the slideshow they posted Thursday is what appears to be a sonogram image of a fetus in a womb, throwing a “rock on” hand signal.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 14, 2026
In a short video posted on X, Lissu was seen along with other party members flashing a V-for-victory hand signal, which is regularly used by CHADEMA.
From Reuters ● Sep. 11, 2023
Jones’ citation of Mr. Guessford for failing to issue a proper right-turn hand signal was dismissed on June 29, 2022.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 5, 2023
Chapman could have relayed the information to Judge using a hand signal.
From Seattle Times ● May 17, 2023
Crab didn’t reply, just made his eyes big and did some kinda hand signal to Genie and Ernie indicating that they needed to keep an eye on Grandpop.
From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds
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.
