hand signal

American  

[hand sig-nl] / ˈhænd ˌsɪg nl /

noun

1. 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.

2. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of hand signal

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

A missing 16-year-old girl was rescued in 2021 after using the hand signal from inside a car in Kentucky.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 2, 2025

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

They weekly honk their horns and wave in response to my two young daughters’ “honk please” hand signal.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 4, 2022

Those plays can typically be communicated with just one word or one hand signal, and a no-huddle offense tends to simplify how defenses play.

From Washington Post • Jan. 14, 2022

Then he makes the hand signal they use in Firestride, the one that means you’re a part of the secret resistance group—that you’re a protector of the planet.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy