signal
anything that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like, such 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 they continue or discontinue the suit led.
serving as a token or indication; used in communiating an intention, warning, or command: a signal flag.
unusual; notable; outstanding: a signal exploit.
to make a token or indication to.
to communicate or make known by a token or indication.
to make communication by something that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like.
Origin of signal
1Other words for signal
Other words from signal
- sig·nal·er; especially British sig·nal·ler, noun
- pre·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
Words that may be confused with signal
- signal , single
Words Nearby signal
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use signal in a sentence
They would transmit sound signals through the SOFAR Channel and measure the time that it took for the waves to arrive at receivers located 10,000 kilometers away.
Underwater earthquakes’ sound waves reveal changes in ocean warming | Carolyn Gramling | September 17, 2020 | Science NewsThey can also signal the extent to which a health care system is strained and, when they start rising, provide a warning that more resources need to be marshaled quickly.
That kind of fire growth, especially at night, that’s a climate signal for sure.
“Unprecedented”: What’s behind the California, Oregon, and Washington wildfires | Umair Irfan | September 11, 2020 | VoxThose signals of heart inflammation could mean that the patients had developed myocarditis, which is estimated to occur in approximately 22 out of 100,000 people annually around the world.
College athletes show signs of possible heart injury after COVID-19 | Aimee Cunningham | September 11, 2020 | Science NewsHis studies went on to show that when we learn something new, an electrical signal fires and connects cells in different parts of the brain.
A secret of science: Mistakes boost understanding | Rachel Kehoe | September 10, 2020 | Science News For Students
The band turned back around, raising a lively tune to signal life would go on.
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 | THE DAILY BEASTRegardless of how the showdown ends, it does serve a very clear signal of what the political climate will be in the next Congress.
Bachmann and Pelosi vs. Boehner and Obama Over Spending Bill | Ben Jacobs | December 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSo while the poor sound quality was aggravating, it was also a signal of some weird legitimacy.
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 | THE DAILY BEASTBut, when the car came thundering down, it was crammed to the step; with a melancholy gesture, the driver declined her signal.
Hilda Lessways | Arnold BennettDistances were to him as nothing; and difficulties only stimulated him to give his adversaries a more signal overthrow.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane PorterA still more signal triumph to American ingenuity was accorded on Thursday.
Glances at Europe | Horace GreeleyHe knew that not only was it a signal for the closing of the city gates, but it was also a warning that bedtime was at hand.
Our Little Korean Cousin | H. Lee M. PikeGeneral Pio del Pilar slept in the city every night, ready to give the rocket-signal for revolt.
The Philippine Islands | John Foreman
British Dictionary definitions for signal
/ (ˈsɪɡnəl) /
any sign, gesture, token, etc, that serves to communicate information
anything that acts as an incitement to action: the 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
distinguished or conspicuous
used to give or act as a signal
to communicate (a message, etc) to (a person)
Origin of signal
1Derived forms of signal
- signaller or US signaler, noun
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
Scientific definitions for 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.
Browse