signal

[ sig-nl ]

/ ˈsɪg nl /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: signal / signaled / signaling / signalled 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.

OTHER WORDS FOR signal

1, 4 sign.

8 unique, exceptional, remarkable, striking.

See synonyms for signal on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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

OTHER WORDS FROM signal

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

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH signal

signal , single

Words nearby signal

sign, signa, signable, Signac, signage, signal, signal board, signal box, signal corps, signal generator, signalize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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 News
They 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.
The new Covid-19 case surge in Europe, explained|Julia Belluz|September 17, 2020|Vox
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|Vox
Those 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 News

His 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.
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
Regardless 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|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
But, when the car came thundering down, it was crammed to the step; with a melancholy gesture, the driver declined her signal.
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
Distances 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 Porter
A still more signal triumph to American ingenuity was accorded on Thursday.
Glances at Europe|Horace Greeley
He 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. Pike
General 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

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 forms of signal

signaller 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

Scientific 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

OTHER WORDS FOR signal

Origin of signal

OTHER WORDS FROM signal

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH signal

Words nearby signal

Words related to signal

How to use signal in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for signal

Derived forms of signal

Word Origin for signal

Scientific definitions for signal