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signal

[sig-nl]

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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.

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

Related formssig·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, adjectiveun·sig·nalled, adjective

Can be confusedsignal single

Synonyms for signal

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR signal ON THESAURUS.COM

1, 4. sign. 8. unique, exceptional, remarkable, striking.

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

Related Words for signal

noticeable, salient, conspicuous, momentous, noteworthy, indicator, alarm, cue, sign, beacon, gesture, warn, pronounced, striking, characteristic, notable, marked, arresting, individual, distinguished

Examples from the Web for signal

Contemporary Examples of 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
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
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
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
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

Historical Examples of signal

As she spoke, Geta lifted the curtain, and Philothea instantly obeyed the signal.
Philothea
Lydia Maria Child
Each instinctively touched the other's arm, as a signal for silence.
Philothea
Lydia Maria Child
For months I had received daily and hourly the most signal benefits from his hands.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327
Various
The appearance of Mr. Gladstone was the signal for great applause.
The Grand Old Man
Richard B. Cook
Cissy sent her a look, a signal, and rose; she stood by the doorway.
Life and Death of Harriett Frean
May Sinclair

British Dictionary definitions for signal

signal

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

n.

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.

adj.

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

v.

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

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

signal in Science

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.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.