semaphore

American  

[sem-uh-fawr, -fohr] / ˈsɛm əˌfɔr, -ˌfoʊr /

noun

1. an apparatus for conveying information by means of visual signals, as a light whose position may be changed.

2. any of various devices for signaling by changing the position of a light, flag, etc.

3. 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.

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verb (used with or without object)

semaphored, semaphoring

1. to signal by semaphore or by some system of flags.

semaphore British  

/ ˌsɛməˈfɒrɪk, ˈsɛməˌfɔː /

noun

1. an apparatus for conveying information by means of visual signals, as with movable arms or railway signals, flags, etc

2. a system of signalling by holding a flag in each hand and moving the arms to designated positions to denote each letter of the alphabet

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verb

1. to signal (information) by means of semaphore

Other Word Forms

• semaphoric adjective
• semaphorical adjective
• semaphorically adverb

Etymology

Origin of semaphore

First recorded in 1810–20; from French sémaphore, from Greek sêma “sign”; -phore

Example Sentences

She taught semaphore - a visual signaling method allowing information to be conveyed at a distance - to troops ahead of D-Day and helped to test the Mulberry Harbours used in the invasion.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2024

Whenever someone got into trouble, Barron would unfurl her semaphore flags and signal for help.

From Seattle Times • May 30, 2024

On the left shoulder, front, a cluster of schematic semaphore signals evokes his years in the Marines.

From New York Times • May 5, 2023

You’ve probably seen the semaphore system where years ago people in uniform waved handheld flags to convey messages.

From Washington Post • Oct. 28, 2022

It’s more like a telegram, a verbal semaphore.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• alarm
• beacon
• cue
• gesture
• indicator
• sign