semaphore
[sem-uh-fawr, -fohr]
noun
an apparatus for conveying information by means of visual signals, as a light whose position may be changed.
any of various devices for signaling by changing the position of a light, flag, etc.
a system of signaling, especially a system by which a special flag is held in each hand and various positions of the arms indicate specific letters, numbers, etc.
verb (used with or without object), sem·a·phored, sem·a·phor·ing.
to signal by semaphore or by some system of flags.
RELATED CONTENT
RELATED WORDS
warn, nod, wave, flash, communicate, sign, motion, wink, flag, beckon, gesticulate, signalize, gesture
Origin of semaphore
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for semaphore
Historical Examples of semaphore
It is easy to say "just learn the semaphore," but to learn it quickly and well is another matter.
Military Instructors ManualJames P. Cole and Oliver Schoonmaker
"You didn't say that when he praised your semaphore," cried Marion, with resentment.
The Abandoned FarmerSydney Herman Preston
Enviously Tom watched him, thinking of his own semaphore work at Temple Camp.
Tom Slade on a TransportPercy Keese Fitzhugh
Sometimes, when I was working among the rocks, I would suddenly descry her on the banks of the Falaise like a semaphore signal.
The Works of Guy de Maupassant, Vol. 1 (of 8)Guy de Maupassant
Send and receive a message in two of the following systems of signaling: Semaphore, Morse.
How Girls Can Help Their CountryJuliette Low
semaphore
noun
verb
Word Origin for semaphore
C19: via French, from Greek sēma a signal + -phore
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper