This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
semaphore
[ sem-uh-fawr, -fohr ]
/ ˈsɛm əˌfɔr, -ˌfoʊr /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
Definition of semaphore
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.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of semaphore
OTHER WORDS FROM semaphore
sem·a·phor·ic [sem-uh-fawr-ik, -for-], /ˌsɛm əˈfɔr ɪk, -ˈfɒr-/, sem·a·phor·i·cal, adjectivesem·a·phor·i·cal·ly, adverbWords nearby semaphore
semantic field, semantic memory, semantics, semantic tableau, semantic Web, semaphore, Semarang, semasiology, sematic, sematology, semblable
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use semaphore in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for semaphore
semaphore
/ (ˈsɛməˌfɔː) /
noun
an apparatus for conveying information by means of visual signals, as with movable arms or railway signals, flags, etc
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
to signal (information) by means of semaphore
Derived forms of semaphore
semaphoric (ˌsɛməˈfɒrɪk) or semaphorical, adjectivesemaphorically, adverbWord Origin for semaphore
C19: via French, from Greek sēma a signal + -phore
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012