nonverbal

British  

/ nɒnˈvɜːbəl /

adjective

1. not spoken

   the nonverbal signals of body movement

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Explanation

Something that's nonverbal doesn't use spoken words. Nonverbal communication might consist of hand gestures or facial expressions. Use the adjective nonverbal when you talk about a method of communicating without spoken language, or a person who isn't able to use speech. The word verbal means "in the form of words," from the Latin verbum, "word," so anything that's nonverbal happens entirely without words. You can probably tell from a friend's nonverbal cues that she's uncomfortable — her face or body language might give her away.

Example Sentences

Her son, who is referred to as J.M. in the complaint, is nonverbal and autistic and has spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

He has reason to worry, genetically speaking: An older brother, already nonverbal, is in assisted living.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

McClure, the St. Louis-area mother, said her son Trent, now 9, was born prematurely and is largely nonverbal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025

Afterward, they completed standardized intelligence tests measuring verbal and nonverbal ability as well as perceptual reasoning.

From Science Daily • Oct. 29, 2025

Jabir’s expertise was in nonverbal commands; he could train almost anything with them.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray