sign language
Americannoun
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Also called sign. any of several visual-gestural systems of communication, especially employing manual gestures, as used among deaf people.
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any means of communication, as between speakers of different languages, using gestures.
noun
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another word for signing
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any system of communication by manual signs or gestures
Etymology
Origin of sign language
First recorded in 1840–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Plans for a sign language bill for Northern Ireland had been in the pipeline for a number of years, but stalled during several collapses of power-sharing.
From BBC ● Apr. 27, 2026
Northern Ireland will become the first part of the UK to provide free sign language classes to all deaf children and their families, through a new sign language law being passed on Tuesday.
From BBC ● Apr. 27, 2026
The 37-year-old was the first professional comedian to stage a show in both English and sign language.
From BBC ● Apr. 9, 2026
The first hurdle if he ends up staying in Colombia, is that he and his mother will have to learn Colombian sign language, which differs from American sign language.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 18, 2026
“I don’t think anyone can talk to animals. Except to dolphins, maybe. Or sign language to chimps.”
From "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
