signal

[ sig-nl ]

/ ˈsɪg nl /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR signal ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

anything that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like, as a light, a gesture, an act, etc.: a traffic signal; a signal to leave.

anything agreed upon or understood as the occasion for concerted action.

an act, event, or the like that causes or incites some action: The unjust execution was the signal for revolt.

a token; indication.

Electronics. an electrical quantity or effect, as current, voltage, or electromagnetic waves, that can be varied in such a way as to convey information.

Cards. a play that reveals to one's partner a wish that he or she continue or discontinue the suit led.

adjective

serving as a signal; used in signaling: a signal flag.

unusual; notable; outstanding: a signal exploit.

verb (used with object), sig·naled, sig·nal·ing or (especially British) sig·nalled, sig·nal·ling.

to make a signal to.

to communicate or make known by a signal.

verb (used without object), sig·naled, sig·nal·ing or (especially British) sig·nalled, sig·nal·ling.

to make communication by a signal or signals.

Nearby words

Origin of signal

1350–1400; Middle English (noun) < Medieval Latin signāle, Late Latin, noun use of neuter of signālis of a sign. See sign, -al², -al¹

SYNONYMS FOR signal

1, 4 sign.

8 unique, exceptional, remarkable, striking.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR signal ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

sig·nal·er; especially British sig·nal·ler, nounpre·sig·nal, noun, verb (used with object), pre·sig·naled, pre·sig·nal·ing or (especially British) pre·sig·nalled, pre·sig·nal·ing.re·sig·nal, verb re·sig·naled, re·sig·nal·ing or (especially British) re·sig·nalled, re·sig·nal·ling.un·sig·naled, adjective

un·sig·nalled, adjective

Can be confusedsignal single

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for signal

The band turned back around, raising a lively tune to signal life would go on.
Funeral Protest Is Too Much for NYPD Union Boss|Michael Daly|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Not even Radio Bemba (Cuban slang for the rumor mill) had picked up the signal.
The Life and Hard Times Of The Family A Cuban Defector Left Behind|Brin-Jonathan Butler|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So while the poor sound quality was aggravating, it was also a signal of some weird legitimacy.
Digging the Gold in Dylan’s ‘Basement’|Malcolm Jones|November 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And more importantly, an Orman victory could signal a broader assault against the duopoly that controls congress.
Independent Greg Orman Stands Up Against GOP Attacks|John Avlon|November 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST

You are sending a signal that says any Western response to his actions will be inconsequential.
Is the U.S. Enabling Putin's Invasion?|Christopher Dickey|August 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Nelson ordered the signal to be made for a chase in the south-east quarter.
Fifty-two Stories of the British Navy, from Damme to Trafalgar.|Alfred H. Miles
I expect my arrival at the office will be the signal for a cloud of dust in which he will disappear, heading for the first train.
The Opened Shutters|Clara Louise Burnham
Captain Langdon being of the same opinion, the signal was thrown out to make all sail to close the enemy.
How Britannia Came to Rule the Waves|W.H.G. Kingston
I signal for the men to pull her up alongside of the wall, but it cannot be done; then to cross.
Canyons of the Colorado|J. W. Powell
On the Venerable making the signal that she could weather the enemy, the Admiral made another to take stations for mutual support.
Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez, Vol. I|Sir John Ross

British Dictionary definitions for signal

signal

/ (ˈsɪɡnəl) /

noun

any sign, gesture, token, etc, that serves to communicate information

anything that acts as an incitement to actionthe rise in prices was a signal for rebellion

a variable parameter, such as a current or electromagnetic wave, by which information is conveyed through an electronic circuit, communications system, etc
the information so conveyed
(as modifier)signal strength; a signal generator

adjective

distinguished or conspicuous

used to give or act as a signal

verb -nals, -nalling or -nalled or US -nals, -naling or -naled

to communicate (a message, etc) to (a person)

Derived Formssignaller or US signaler, noun

Word Origin for signal

C16: from Old French seignal, from Medieval Latin signāle, from Latin signum sign

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

Word Origin and History for signal (1 of 3)

signal

late 14c., "visible sign, indication," from Old French signal, seignal "seal, imprint, sign, mark," from Medieval Latin signale "a signal," from Late Latin signalis (adj.) "used as a signal, pertaining to a sign," from Latin signum "signal, sign" (see sign (n.)). Restricted sense "agreed-upon sign (to commence or desist, etc.) is from 1590s. Meaning "modulation of an electric current" is from 1855.

Word Origin and History for signal (1 of 3)

signal

adj.

"remarkable, striking, notable" ("serving as a sign"), 1640s, from French signalé, past participle of signaler "to distinguish, signal" (see signal (n.)).

Word Origin and History for signal (2 of 3)

signal

1805, "to make signals to," from signal (n.). Related: Signaled; signaling. Earlier verb was signalize (1650s).

Science definitions for signal

signal

[ sĭg′nəl ]

A fluctuating quantity or impulse whose variations represent information. The amplitude or frequency of voltage, current, electric field strength, light, and sound can be varied as signals representing information.

signal

noun

adjective

verb (used with object), sig·naled, sig·nal·ing or (especially British) sig·nalled, sig·nal·ling.

verb (used without object), sig·naled, sig·nal·ing or (especially British) sig·nalled, sig·nal·ling.

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Nearby words

Origin of signal

Examples from the Web for signal

British Dictionary definitions for signal

signal

noun

adjective

verb -nals, -nalling or -nalled or US -nals, -naling or -naled

Word Origin for signal

Word Origin and History for signal (1 of 3)

signal

Word Origin and History for signal (1 of 3)

signal

Word Origin and History for signal (2 of 3)

signal

Science definitions for signal

signal