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.

---

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

---

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

Explanation

A semaphore is a gadget used for conveying signals. Semaphores have either lights or mechanical arms that move. The word semaphore is related to a Greek word meaning "signal," and that's exactly the purpose of semaphores: they give signals. The place you're most likely to have seen a semaphore is a railroad crossing: the gadget with moving arms is a semaphore. Some semaphores have mechanical arms, while others just use lights to communicate. A semaphore system can also use flags. In all cases, semaphores give visual signals that communicate something important, especially to people traveling.

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times • May 30, 2024

We also found semaphore flags, a vastly outdated way to communicate between units.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2023

For him, “Underneath the Skin” is a semaphore that signals a presence now too easy to forget.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2022

As Meher Mirza wrote for Saveur, "the word 'curry' is sometimes used in the West as a familiar semaphore, but the term ossifies the immense sophistication and complexity of Indian food."

From Salon • Sep. 12, 2021

Then the black pup flashed his tail like a semaphore signal and they all jumped on Jello again.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George

Related Words

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